Cross-sectional imaging of a cadaveric human heart

The precise relationship of the components of the heart can be difficult to understand. With recent developments in cardiac ultrasound and other imaging modalities, most professionals need to be familiar with cross-sectional cardiac anatomy. We have created a teaching technique based on a normal human heart removed at autopsy. It was scanned using a computed tomography scanner and the images examined in different planes. The images were annotated and used in a computer-based teaching program to convey the details of cardiac anatomy. Images corresponding to planes typically used in echocardiography were also examined. The resulting images were of high resolution and illustrated many subtle structures rarely seen in conventional studies of cardiac anatomy. This system has benefits to both clinicians and anatomists.