Computerized modelling of nasal capsular morphogenesis in prenatal primates
Scott Lozanoff, Maurice R. Zingeser, Virginia M. Diewert · Clinical Anatomy · 1993
Abstract Descriptive and comparative analysis of primate chondrocranial anatomy relies on three‐dimensional reconstructions of embryonic and fetal tissues. Typically, reconstructions are accomplished using manual techniques that are time‐consuming and laborious. Recent advances in computer technology permit computerized reconstruction, but most available systems do not interpolate surfaces so models consist of solid polygons without intervening surfaces. The purpose of this paper is to describe a new computerized surface‐modelling routine for the rapid and reliable reconstruction of nasal capsular anatomy in prenatal primates as well as to apply this system for the comparative analysis of nasal morphogenesis. Models of the nasal capsule and anterior cranial base are generated for a developmental series of prenatal specimens including Microcebus murinus, Macaca mulatta, and Homo sapiens. Results show that the computerized system reconstructs complex morphologies rapidly and automatically. The computerized models display higher anatomical resolution than that available from reconstructions generated through manual methods or algorithms used in commercially available systems and they can be viewed on a personal computer. Comparative anatomical analysis reveals that the nasal floor is highly specialized in Microcebus which displays a zona annularis. However, complexity in this region is reduced in Macaca and Homo which probably corresponds to a morphological reduction, but not elimination, of the vomeronasal organ and associated structures. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.