Revolutionizing Sectioned Images of the Visible Korean: Achieving From 0.05 mm to 0.03 mm Sized Pixel

The Visible Korean (VK) project aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional cadaver dissection by producing high-resolution sectioned images. This study compared a newly acquired 2024 dataset with a 2023 dataset to evaluate the feasibility of using sectioned images for clinical anatomical research.

Two female cadavers were frozen and serially milled at constant intervals. The sectioned surfaces were photographed using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera of 35 mm charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor for 2023 dataset and a DSLR of 44 mm medium-format CCD sensor for 2024 dataset.

The 2024 dataset had 2.78 times higher pixel density (pixel size, 0.03 mm × 0.03 mm) than the 2023 dataset (pixel size, 0.05 mm × 0.05 mm), enabling clearer visualization of fine structures such as brain nuclei, fasciculi, vessel walls, meninges, and facial retaining ligaments. Pathological findings including cardiomegaly, vascular rupture, atherosclerosis, and endometrial neoplasm were clearly identified. The consistent intervals allowed accurate tracing of structures across multiple planes. The accumulated datasets from twelve cadavers now allow statistically reliable anatomical interpretation.

Sectioned images produced with modern DSLR technology can reproduce anatomical structures at a level comparable to cadaveric dissection. Their high resolution, color fidelity, and digital format allow repeated analysis without damage. These datasets are now suitable not only for education but also for clinical anatomy research, potentially contributing to a paradigm shift from traditional to digital dissection.