Eur J Anat, 7 (3): 147-159 (2003)

Application of the "Visible Human Project" in the field of anatomy: A review

Juanes J.A., Prats A., Lagandara M.L., Riesco J.M.

Dpto. de Anat. e Histologia Humanas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; Dpto. de Anat. y Embriologia Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain; Desarrollos Informaticos Abadia, Madrid, Spain; Dpto. Anatomia e Histologia Humanas, Facultad de Medicina, Avda. Alfonso X El Sabio s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain

ABSTRACT The present review addresses the most relevant applications developed using the Visible Human Project. We describe the origins of the Project and the procedure used for the collection of anatomical images of the cadavers from a man and a woman. Thousands of sections from these cadavers have been used in different ways, ranging from the generation of anatomical atlases to the construction of three-dimensional images for simulations and virtual training in surgery. We also include a broad review of the literature and some Internet addresses where information concerning the different uses made of the project compiled by the National Library of Medicine can be sought. Currently, the Visible Human Project is the best and most used digital reference concerning human anatomy, its application being broadest within the field of education. Nevertheless, its applications and uses have surpassed all expectations and the images are now being used in a huge area of disciplines such as art, industry, surgery, etc.

Keywords: art, cadaver, computer simulation, dissection, gender, human, industry, medical education, medical information, medical literature, review, surgical anatomy, surgical training, three dimensional imaging, virtual reality