Micro-computed tomography

Some examples of 3D reconstructions of internal and external animal morphology based on µCT images.

Copiphora gorgonensis ear3D reconstruction of a Copiphora gorgonensis female ear. The final view shows a row of mechanosensory cells, the crista acoustica. Scanner: Bruker Skyscan1272, 1 µm/voxel resolution.

Acanthacara acuta3D reconstruction of an Acanthacara acuta male. Scanner: Bruker Skyscan1272, 10 µm/voxel resolution.

Gryllus bimaculatus3D reconstruction of a Gryllus bimaculatus male. The acoustic tracheae are highlighted in yellow and green and the septum separating both in the thorax in red. Scanner: Bruker Skyscan1272, 8.7 µm/voxel resolution.

Halyomorpha halys3D reconstruction of a brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Air-filled spaces and the tracheal system are segmented in purple, fat bodies are shown in yellow. Scanner: Scanco µCT 40; 10 µm/voxel resolution.

Synodontis grandiops brain3D reconstruction of the brain of an upside-down catfish (Synodontis grandiops). The brain was stained with Lugol's iodine prior to scanning at 4 µm/voxel resolution. Parts of the vascular system can be seen in bright white (maximum intensity projections) / bright yellow (volume rendering), while major nerve fibres and brain regions are visible in light grey/yellow. Scanco µCT 40; 4 µm/voxel resolution.

Carnegiella strigataThe skeleton of a hatchetfish, Carnegiella strigata. The abductor muscle is segmented in blue, the adductor muscle in red. Scanner: Scanco µCT 40; 10 µm/voxel resolution.