Automated image segmentation and serial section reconstruction in microscopy

A technique for automatic 3-D reconstruction of specifically stained features in televised serial histological sections has been developed using an image analyser. Images which included these features were individually converted to binary images, compiled, displayed to show the 3-D morphology and used to quantify the structure. The criteria necessary for producing valid reconstructions and the problems associated with the manipulation of images of fine detail, particularly those containing several thousand features, are illustrated by examples from skin.