Digital Anatomical Dissection

[Past Projects]

Dr. Rachel Olson

The Olson lab is interested in the form and function of the mammalian feeding system. We look at this through studies of mammalian diversity and evolution, as well as using animal models to better understand human disorders. A multitude of anatomical structures are involved in the feeding apparatus, including the tongue. These muscles have complex orientations that are hard to dissect and measure. Therefore, we use diceCT scanning methods, where the soft-tissues are differentially stained with an iodine-based contrast enhancing stain, to digitally dissect these structures. Digital dissection preserves the 3D orientation of structures while allowing us to visualize and quantify the structures of interest.

Primary Goals

  1. Digitally dissect the muscles involved in chewing (multiple individuals and species have been scanned).
  2. Determine the fiber orientations of the tongue.
  3. Potential to develop an analysis method to compare different species.
  4. Potential to apply anatomical data of the tongue to in vivo biomechanics of the tongue.
Skills (no experience necessary):
  • Anatomical imaging – learn about and look at CT scans and x-ray imaging. There may be opportunities to participate in collecting this data.
  • Digital dissection methods using image processing software like Slicermorph and VGstudio.
  • Interact with and learn anatomy and biomechanics in an applied context.
  • Contrast-enhanced staining methods in the wet lab.
  • Possibility of traditional gross dissections.
  • Data visualization and statistical analysis in R.
  • Participate in lab meetings and scientific discussions.
  • Participate in the Biological Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Click here for more information about Dr. Olson’s lab