Implementation of 3D Reconstruction Method in the Study of Prenatal Morphogenesis of Brain Ventricular System

Current research is a fragment of the comprehensive inter-departmental theme of the M.G. Turkevych Department of Human Anatomy (head prof. V.V. Krivetskii) and the Department of Anatomy, Topographic Anatomy and Operative Surgery (head prof. O. M. Slobodian), HSEI of Ukraine "Bukovinian State Medical University" "Features of morphogenesis and topography of systems and organs in the pre- and postnatal periods of human ontogenesis ", state registration number 0115U002769. 3D technology has been well established in modern society and has been applied both in everyday life and in medical practice, being a popular topic for the scientific research. In recent years, the method of making 3D reconstruction models on serial histological sections has been widely used to find out the peculiarities of the topography of organs and structures development during human ontogenesis at M.G. Turkevych Department of Human Anatomy. The purpose of the research was to identify the features of the anlage and development of the brain ventricles in the embryonic period of human ontogenesis. Materials and methods. We used the method of making serial histological sections of human embryos, which are 15 мm thick, from paraffin blocks. The cuts were done in three planes of the embryo's body – sagital, horizontal and frontal ones. By using a series of obtained digital images a three-dimensional computer model of the investigated anatomical structure was constructed and morphometry performed by a specialized software (Virtual Anatomist). Results. The peculiarities of the embryotopography of the brain ventricles development in the embryonic period of human ontogenesis were examined. The expediency and advantages of using the three-dimensional computer reconstruction method have been shown while studying the ventricular system of the brain in the early stages of the prenatal period of human ontogenesis. It was established that the morphogenesis of the lateral ventricles takes place under a direct influence of the hemispheres' development and of their internal structures differentiation. The cavity of ventricle III in the embryo with 6,5-8,0 mm of the crown-rump length (CRL) is goblet-shaped due to the thickening of the lateral walls of the between brain. In those with 9,0-10,0 mm of CRL ventricle III is characterized by an elliptical form, and at the end of the 6th week of embryogenesis (embryos with 11,0-13,0 mm of CRL). Its cavity is narrowed and gradually becomes diamond-shaped. Ventricle IV of the brain is characterized by a cylindrical shape. At the end of the embryonic period (late 6th week of fetal development), the formation of the vascular plexus of the third ventricle of the brain was observed, as well as accelerated morphogenesis of the telencephalon and the hindbrain, which results in a rapid differentiation of the brain parts and their cavities, and a slow growth of the mesencephalon area.