Three-dimensional reconstruction in pathology

Abstract

Three-dimensional reconstructions producing computer-generated false colour images have played an important role in furthering understanding in many areas in microscopical morphology, both in anatomy and pathology. This review article considers several recent advances made in the understanding of tumour pathology by the use of these computer-generated three-dimensional models. However, three-dimensional reconstructions can be made at a number of levels of resolution - at the level of a whole tissue or organ, at the level of cells or part of a tissue, and at the subcellular level. Examples of three-dimensional reconstructions made at each of these levels of resolution are discussed, with reference to human fetal notochords, bone marrow trephine specimens, and nucleoli from human fibroblasts, Spirogyra grevilleana, mouse Sertoli cells, and pea meristematic cells.