Abstract
The histological study of the plexus hypogastricus inferior (hypogastric plexus) of a human fetus does not permit the direct appreciation of its spatial configuration and its complicated relations. Developments in the field of computer science and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from serial histological sections have allowed a precise description of its morphometry and relations. The histological sections which were used came from the "Rouvière" collection of the Institute of Anatomy in Paris. A personal computer (IMAC) system of image analysis with reconstruction software was used. Serial pelvic histological sections were directly digitized from the slides. Image treatment and reconstruction were done with manual methods. The 3D reconstruction of the hypogastric plexus, the nerves, the pelvic skeleton and viscera were done. The hypogastric plexus and its topographic relations with the other organs were visualized and studied in three dimensions, and its morphometry was studied. The direct acquisition of the images from the slides allowed excellent high-quality digital images to be obtained. However, manual processing for the reconstruction was time-consuming. At first, the reconstruction of the various pelvic structures was done separately for each organ. Then the structures were visualized all together. Thus, the hypogastric plexus could be examined under various incidences with each organ. The virtual images obtained show new details of the topographic relations and improve knowledge of the precise innervation of the pelvic organs. The French version of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0091-9.
Résumé
L'étude du "plexus hypogastricus inferior", (plexus hypogastrique) du foetus humain à partir de coupes histologiques ne permet pas une appréciation directe de sa configuration spatiale et de ses rapports complexes. Le développement d'outils informatiques performants de reconstruction tridimensionnelle (3D) a permis, à partir de coupes histologiques sériées (bidimensionnelles), de préciser sa morphométrie et ses rapports grâce un outil d'étude interactif. Les coupes histologiques utilisées provenaient de la collection d'embryons "Rouvière" de l'Institut d'Anatomie de Paris. Le matériel informatique se composait d'un micro-ordinateur et de systèmes de traitement et de reconstruction d'images. Les coupes du bassin ont été directement numérisées à partir des lames. Les images ont été traitées et reconstruites manuellement. Le plexus hypogastrique, les nerfs, le squelette et tous les organes du pelvis ont été reconstruits. La morphométrie du plexus hypogastrique ainsi que ses rapports avec les organes pelviens ont été visualisés et étudiés en trois dimensions. L'acquisition des images directement à partir des lames permet d'obtenir des images numériques d'excellente qualité. Cependant, leur traitement manuel en vue de la reconstruction est long et fastidieux. La reconstruction des différentes structures anatomiques du pelvis se fait d'abord séparément, organe par organe. Ensuite les structures sont visualisées en association. Le plexus hypogastrique peut ainsi être examiné sous différentes incidences avec chacun des organes. Les images virtuelles ainsi obtenues apportent des précisions nouvelles sur les rapports et améliorent la connaissance de l'innervation précise des viscères pelviens.
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This works was carried out thanks to the assistance of the Anatomy Institute of Paris.
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The French version of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0091-9
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Hounnou, GM., Uhl, JF., Plaisant, O. et al. Morphometry by computerized three-dimensional reconstruction of the hypogastric plexus of a human fetus. Surg Radiol Anat 25, 21–31 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0091-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0091-9