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µTongue: A Microfluidics-Based Functional Imaging Platform for the Tongue In Vivo
Published on: April 22, 2021
Three-dimensional observation of mouse tongue muscles using micro-computed tomography
Hidekazu Aoyagi1, Shin-Ichi Iwasaki, Kenzirou Nakamura
1Advanced Research Center, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, 1-8 Hamaura-chou, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8580, Japan, aoy@ngt.ndu.ac.jp.
Odontology
|August 27, 2013
Summary
This study demonstrates micro-computed tomography (μCT) for visualizing mouse tongue soft tissue structure at various magnifications. New methods enable detailed 3D rendering of muscle fascicles and surrounding tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Microscopy
- Anatomical Science
Background:
- Micro-computed tomography (μCT) is widely used for hard tissue analysis.
- Recent advancements, including osmium tetroxide staining, enable soft tissue imaging with μCT.
- Detailed 3D cross-sectional imaging of tongue musculature is currently limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mouse tongue muscle structure using μCT at low, middle, and high magnifications.
- To develop and present novel methodological techniques for soft tissue μCT.
- To generate high-resolution 3D renderings of tongue musculature.
Main Methods:
- Utilized micro-computed tomography (μCT) for imaging mouse tongue specimens.
- Employed decalcification and freeze-drying for low-magnification (12,000 μm FOV) observations.
- Applied osmium tetroxide staining for middle-magnification (3,500 μm FOV) muscle arrangement analysis.
- Used high-resolution μCT for high-magnification (450 μm FOV) observation of muscle fiber fascicles.
Main Results:
- Established optimal μCT protocols for different magnifications of mouse tongue soft tissue.
- Successfully visualized the relationship between tongue muscles and surrounding bone structures at low magnification.
- Detailed the arrangement of tongue muscles using osmium tetroxide staining at middle magnification.
- Resolved individual muscle fiber fascicles of the transversus muscle at high magnification.
Conclusions:
- Micro-computed tomography (μCT) is a feasible and effective method for high-resolution 3D imaging of soft tissues like the mouse tongue.
- Developed and validated specific μCT protocols for low, middle, and high magnifications, enhancing anatomical visualization.
- This study provides a foundation for future research utilizing μCT in soft tissue morphology and comparative anatomy.
