Novel combination method of wide-range serial sectioning and 3D reconstruction visualizing both macro-level dynamics and micro-level interactions in an attempt to analyze the female pelvic floor

Abstract

The present report presents details of the method for combining wide-range serial sectioning and 3D reconstruction using an adult cadaver. For several decades, anatomists have utilized a variety of non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) visualization methods to complement gross anatomical analysis methods. These include vascular casting for the visualization of vascular morphology and micro-CT for the visualization of bone morphology. However, these conventional methods are restricted by the properties and sizes of the target structures. Here, we introduce a method to conduct 3D reconstruction based on wide-range serial histological sections from adult cadavers, which overcomes previous restrictions. An attempt at 3D visualization of the female pelvic floor muscles provides a detailed description of the procedure. Supplemental video and 3D PDF files allow multifaceted observation of 3D images. Wide-range serial sectioning visualizes morphology beyond the scope of conventional methods, while 3D reconstruction enables non-destructive 3D visualization of any structure that can be observed on a histological section, including skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, ligaments, cartilage, connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, lymph nodes, and glands. The novel combination of both methods is instrumental in meso-anatomy, a discipline intermediate between macro-anatomy and micro-anatomy.