3D Anatomy and Muscle Architecture of the Human Hand: new approaches for imaging and education

Abstract

New three‐dimensional digital imaging technologies permit much richer reconstructions of soft‐tissue anatomy. We used algorithmic fiber‐tracking software, or 3D muscle tractography to model the muscle architecture of distal forearm and hand muscles via diffusible iodine contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (DiceCT) of a deidentified donor. Excellent soft‐tissue staining and high CT resolution (<50 μm) allowed for the visualization of many tissues difficult to simultaneously resolve using other imaging modalities, including muscle fascicles, integumentary collagen fibers, as well as bony trabeculae. Muscle fascicles were tracked and modeled as curved cylinders from which fascicle‐specific information, such as length and orientation, was gathered. By modeling numerous fascicles within a whole muscle, we collected muscle‐wide distributions, rather than single‐value estimates, of quantitative muscle architecture variables. These comprehensive data afforded by DiceCT and algorithmic fascicle modeling promise to aid in biomechanical modeling. Further, the volume and fascicle models produced by these methods are an excellent teaching resource in medical education.Support or Funding InformationNSF IOS 1457319, NSF EAR 1631684, Missouri Research Council, Life Sciences Research Fellowship, University of Missouri Department of Pathology and Anatomical SciencesThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.