The anatomy of the pelvis is complex, multilayered, and its three-dimensional organization is conceptually difficult for students to grasp. The aim of this project was to create an explorable and projectable stereoscopic, three-dimensional (3D) model of the female pelvis and pelvic contents for anatomical education. The model was created using cryosection images obtained from the Visible Human Project, in conjunction with a general-purpose three-dimensional segmentation and surface-rendering program. Anatomical areas of interest were identified and labeled on consecutive images. Each 2D slice was reassembled, forming a three-dimensional model. The model includes the pelvic girdle, organs of the pelvic cavity, surrounding musculature, the perineum, neurovascular structures, and the peritoneum. Each structure can be controlled separately (e.g. added, subtracted, made transparent) to reveal organization and/or relationships between structures. The model can be manipulated and/or projected stereoscopically to visualize structures and relationships from different angles with excellent spatial perception. Because of its ease of use and versatility, we expect this model may provide a powerful teaching tool for learning in the classroom or in the laboratory.

The anatomy of the pelvis is complex, and its three‐dimensional organization is conceptually difficult for students to grasp. The aim of this project is to create an explorable and projectable stereoscopic three‐dimensional (3‐D) model of the female pelvis and pelvic contents for anatomical education. The model is created using cyrosection images obtained from the Visible Human Project in conjunction with a general purpose three‐dimensional segmentation and surface rendering program. Anatomical areas of interest are identified and labeled on consecutive images. They are then reassembled into a three‐dimensional model. Currently the model includes the pelvic girdle, organs of the pelvic cavity, surrounding muscles, the perineum, and large blood vessels. Each structure can be individually controlled (ex. added, subtracted, made transparent) in order to reveal the organization of and relationships between structures. The model can also be manipulated and/or projected stereoscopically in order to visualize structures and relationships from different angles with excellent spatial perception. Due to its ease of use and versatility this model may provide powerful teaching tool for learning in the classroom or in the laboratory. Research support: Ontario Graduate Scholarship.Grant Funding SourceInternal