Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
11:49
Using High Resolution Computed Tomography to Visualize the Three Dimensional Structure and Function of Plant Vasculature
Published on: April 5, 2013
21.8K
Serial section videography (SSV): A low-cost protocol for generating 3D reconstructions of internal plant structure.
Jacob S Suissa1, Giselle Reyes1
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Tennessee Knoxville Knoxville Tennessee USA.
Applications in Plant Sciences
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Serial Section Videography (SSV) offers a low-cost method for 3D plant anatomy reconstruction. This technique provides an accessible alternative to microCT for studying organ development and structural variation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Anatomy
- Developmental Biology
- Bioimaging
Background:
- Analyzing organ development requires understanding internal structures.
- Traditional histology is labor-intensive and size-limited.
- Micro-computed tomography (microCT) is effective but costly and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce Serial Section Videography (SSV) as a low-cost 3D plant anatomy reconstruction method.
- Provide an accessible alternative to microCT for anatomical studies.
Main Methods:
- Applied SSV to four fern rhizomes.
- Used sliding microtome or handheld blade for sectioning.
- Captured images with digital camera or smartphone.
- Aligned images with Fiji and segmented with 3D Slicer.
Main Results:
- Enabled continuous 3D visualization of internal stem anatomy over several centimeters.
- Demonstrated adaptability to laboratory and field settings.
- Successfully reconstructed varied fern rhizome morphologies and vascular architectures.
Conclusions:
- SSV provides an alternative to microCT for 3D anatomical reconstructions.
- Reduces technical and financial barriers for researchers.
- Facilitates comparative studies of plant vascular tissues and development.
