Harvard brain atlas: a teaching and visualization tool

The authors here present initial data from a computerized three-dimensional (3D) human brain atlas project that employs automated segmentation methods 3D slice editing techniques, region of interest definitions based on neuroanatomical knowledge, and 3D surface rendering techniques. For illustrative purposes, the authors show 3D representations of cerebral cortical grey matter (subdivided by lobe), cerebellum, corpus callosum, basal ganglia structures, limbic system structures, eyes and optic chiasm, and the ventricular system. Part of the white matter, including the corticospinal tract is also reconstructed in 3D. This digitized human brain atlas will be expanded and later used to automatically register new MR data sets in order to assess 3D volumes of interest. Currently, it serves as a powerful teaching tool since spatial relationships among neuroanatomical structures can be more readily envisioned when the user is able to view and rotate the structures in 3D space, and where each element of the brain atlas is associated with a name tag that is displayed by a user-controlled pointer.