title: [Visualization of the parapharyngeal space of the Chinese visible human].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To build digitized visible model of the parapharyngeal space(PPS) of Chinese visible human.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional images from the Chinese visible human data set were reviewed and the structures of the parapharyngeal space were confirmed on a section-by-section basis. Three-dimensional computer reconstructions of the parapharyngeal space and surrounding structures were generated from these data using PC and imaging software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The three-dimensional reconstructed images displayed perfectly the anatomical relationships of the parapharyngeal space, parotid, muscles, mandible and vessels. All reconstructed structures can be represented individually or jointly, any diameter and angle of the structures reconstructed could be measured conveniently.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Chinese visible human data set can provide complete and accurate data. The digitized model of the parapharyngeal space and its surroundings offer unique insights into the complex anatomy, and provide morphological data for image diagnosis and operation of the parapharyngeal space.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
authors.forename: Qiyu
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Shaoxiang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhengjin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Liwen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Mingguo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Gaoyu
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Yanli
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Xiaoping
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xianhong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yusu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Junhui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.forename: Zesheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed