Vol. 129 No. 2 (2025)
Original Article

3-dimensional scanning of the fresh cadaver brains for anatomy education

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  • Paweł Grabarek,
  • Jacek Masełko ,
  • Weronika Radecka,
  • Marian Simka
Paweł Grabarek
Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, 45-040 Opole, Poland
Jacek Masełko
Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, 45-040 Opole, Poland
Weronika Radecka
Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, 45-040 Opole, Poland
Marian Simka
Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, 45-040 Opole, Poland
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/ijae-16839

Published 2025-12-30

Keywords

  • anatomy,
  • brain,
  • medical education,
  • photogrammetry

How to Cite

Grabarek, P., Masełko , J., Radecka, W., & Simka, M. (2025). 3-dimensional scanning of the fresh cadaver brains for anatomy education. Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, 129(2), 87–95. https://doi.org/10.36253/ijae-16839

Copyright (c) 2025 Paweł Grabarek, Jacek Masełko , Weronika Radecka, Marian Simka

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Background. Nowadays, anatomy education use 3D digital models, which are particularly helpful when a cadaveric material is scarce or absent. Such models can be created using the photogrammetry, which consists of multiple digital photographs taken from various angles and then are used for constructing a virtual anatomical model. With the advance of novel smartphones and applications, a high-quality and easy-to-perform photogrammetry became user-friendly. Methods. In this study we assessed the feasibility and technique of creating 3D digital models of the fresh cadaver brains. For this purpose we applied the KIRI Engine application installed on the iPhone smartphone. With this method, five brains of recently deceased patients were scanned and 3D virtual models of these organs were created. Results. We did not encounter major problems with scanning of the brain with the above-described method. After completion of the scanning, models of the brain could be downloaded and either displayed as the virtual reality objects, or as isolated 3D objects. These virtual brains could be moved or rotated or enlarged in order to see details. Also, it was possible to transfer the file containing virtual model the scanned organ to another phone or computer, in order to be handled by another user. Conclusions. We found 3D scanning of the brains with the use of a smartphone application feasible and highly valuable from the educational perspective, especially considering visual appearance of 3D virtual models of the brains, which were very similar to the alive organs.

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