Plastinated Slices Research Articles

Optic nerve compression analyzed by using plastination.

Plastination is an excellent tool for studying different anatomical and clinical questions. The E12 technique provides transparent slices which show the anatomical structures in their initial position, especially those of the muscular, vascular and interstitial tissue. Here we demonstrate on a plastinated specimen optic nerve compression due to hypertrophy and degeneration of the extraocular muscles near the apex of the orbit. The paper aims to demonstrate the possibilities offered by the E12 plastination technique in analyzing anatomical structures. The plastinated slices obtained were scanned and then analyzed. In a further step the plastinated slices were cut into thin slices (150 microm), stained and finally examined histologically. We measured the intraorbital length (A-B), which had an average value of 25,93+/-0,03 mm. Dividing the optic nerve into uncompressed (UP) and compressed (CP) parts, we obtained the following values for optic nerve width: UP=4192+/-0,455 mm, CP=3215+/- 0,411 mm. Using the E12 plastination method we were able to take morphometric measurements on plastinated orbital slices with coincidentally detected optic nerve compression. This allowed the determination of different parameters of the optic nerve, as well as histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining up to a magnification of x40.

Plastinated body slices for verification of magnetic resonance tomography images

Plastinated body slices provide a higher resolution than photos taken from frozen objects as obtained for the "Visible Human Project". The impregnation with curable polymer gives those slices transparency. Since the thickness of a plastinated slice determines its optical resolution, very thin plastinated slices are necessary for comparison with MRT-images (MRIs) of high quality. The present technical note describes how very thin plastinated slices can be prepared by modification of the classical plastination technique and for comparison with MRI. Having labelled the object's planes recorded as MRIs, we, for the first time, plastinated 800 microm thick body slices superior in resolution to the corresponding MRIs, confirming and extending their structures. Thus, very thin plastinated body slices can be regarded as a helpful tool for radiological studies.

Hemodynamic implications of the orbital muscle of Müller An anatomical study of human fetal, neonatal, and adult specimens

The orbital muscle of Müller is considered to be rudimentary and therefore an unimportant muscle in humans. In order to determine the extension and topographic relationship of this muscle, the orbits of nine human fetuses with a crown-rump length (C-RL) ranging from 80 to 155 mm were sectioned serially, stained, and investigated under a light microscope. In addition, the orbits of three human fetuses with a C-RL ranging from 155 to 200 mm and four neonates were investigated with the aid of a binocular microscope. Transparent plastinated slices of four adult human heads sectioned sagitally, transversally, or obliquely were studied with a magnifying glass. We found the orbital muscle to be one fourth to even more than half the size of the inferior rectus muscle. The muscle of Müller was seen encircling the posterior portion of the inferior ophthalmic vein and the anterior portion of the cavernous sinus, together with a bi-located origo being attached to the sphenoid bone and orbital floor. The insertion was more tendinous and broad in the orbital floor. Between the muscle belly and plate, an anastomosing vein was found between the anterior portion of the cavernous sinus or inferior opthalmic vein and the pterygoid plexus, implying that an autonomically dictated hemodynamic regulating system still exists in humans.

Correlating sheet plastinated slices, computed tomography images and magnetic resonance images of the pelvic girdle: a teaching tool.

Sheet plastination is currently used to produce anatomical slices of different body structures, allowing one to study and teach their topography in an anatomically correct state. Correlation with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques gives more insight into their anatomy. Using two female cadaver pelvises CT and MRI were performed. One pelvis was used to prepare 2-mm-thick coronal plastinated slices according to the technique described by von Hagens. We found a good overall correlation between plastinated slices, CT and MRI images. This combined approach provides a unique anatomical insight and is a valuable addition to other teaching tools used by medical students, radiologists and anatomists.

Learning relational anatomy by correlating thin plastinated sections and magnetic resonance images: preparation of specimens.

Plastination is a process whereby the tissue water and part of the tissue fat of anatomical specimens is replaced with a curable polymer. Several variations of this technique are available, depending on both the type of specimen and polymer being used. In this study, the efficiency of BIODUR PEM 11-prepared cross sections as a teaching aid for radiographic anatomy is investigated. A human cadaveric head was scanned on a magnetic resonance (MR) imager, recording images in a coronal plane of approximately 6 mm in thickness. Corresponding slices were then taken of this head and plastinated by the BIODUR PEM 11 method. In general, a good correlation existed between the plastinated sections and the MR scans. The plastinated slices displayed superior differentiation between musculature compared to the scans. In conclusion, the plastinated sections, used in conjunction with the MR scans, are a valuable tool in learning radiographic anatomy. Additionally, BIODUR PEM 11 is a viable alternative to plastination by other methods.