title: Computer-assisted morphometry using video-mixed microscopic images and computer graphics.
abstract: A microcomputer system has been developed for collection and analysis of morphometric data from video images of histological sections. Microscopic fields of view are visualized on a video monitor and are overlaid with computer-generated graphics by means of a video mixer. Planimetric data are entered by drawing on a digitizing tablet while observing the drawn image superimposed on the tissue. Programs are available to calculate various geometric parameters, count objects in a field, perform descriptive statistics, and measure volume and surface area of a solid from a series of cross sections. A program for point-counting stereology presents single points for scoring within a user-defined reference area. The potential applications of interactive graphics in morphometry are discussed.
mesh_terms: D002467:Cell Nucleus; D003201:Computers; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006652:Histological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012984:Software