title: [The chondrocranium of an 18 mm human embryo. A 3-dimensional computer-assisted reconstruction].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Three-dimensional reconstruction of histologic structures is still a real challenge. This is the reason why very few specimens are published, especially for the head.
  
  
  METHODS
  The chondrocranium of an 18-mm human embryo was reconstructed from serial histologic sections. The three-dimensional reconstruction was based on a software used in geology and adapted to medical applications. This software was able to smooth the reconstructed model, i.e. to correct the distortions due to the histologic preparation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The chondrocranium model is presented. To facilitate spatial orientation, we added the reconstruction of Merkel cartilage, of Reichert cartilage, of the vertebrae, and of the cerebrum. The different portions of the chondrocranium are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The three-dimensional result is described and advantageously compared to the rare wax models available. The morphological differences are detailed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique of three-dimensional reconstruction with its smoothing procedure is a very well adapted method for reconstruction of histologic structures. The results presented confirm the educational value of this tool, which is otherwise a powerful instrument of morphogenic study.
authors.affiliation: Service de Chirurgie Plastique et Maxillo-Faciale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bettega
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aitedajer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mole
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bouchet
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jacquemin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sanson
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Mallet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stricker
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gérard
mesh_terms: D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000196:embryology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000196:embryology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000196:embryology; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000196:embryology; D008334:Mandible / Q000196:embryology; D008648:Mesoderm; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012886:Skull / Q000196:embryology*; D012984:Software; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000196:embryology
vernacular_title: Le chondrocrâne d'un embryon humain de 18 mm. Une reconstruction tridimensionnelle assistée par ordinateur.