Method for preparing permanent brain slices and serial slice images for education and MRI correlation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Anatomical Education
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Understanding human brain anatomy in horizontal planes is crucial for education.
• Serial sectioning of brain tissue is a common method for anatomical study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the educational utility of serial brain slices produced using a meat slicer.
• To develop methods for preserving and utilizing these slices in various educational applications.

Main Methods:

• Two human brains were sectioned horizontally using a meat slicer after gelatin embedding.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for high-resolution imaging, followed by serial sectioning.
• Brain slices were preserved in synthetic resin and digitally scanned.
• 3D reconstructions were created by stacking MRI, scanned slice, and segmented images.

Main Results:

• Successfully created 28 permanent horizontal brain slices from one brain.
• Generated 130 high-resolution horizontal slices and corresponding digital images from the second brain.
• Developed 3D models of brain structures through image stacking and segmentation.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of free-angle sectioning and rotation of reconstructed 3D brain models.

Conclusions:

• Serial brain slices prepared with a meat slicer can be permanently preserved.
• These specimens, integrated with digital techniques, offer a valuable and versatile resource for anatomical education.
• The methodology allows for detailed visualization and manipulation of brain structures in three dimensions.