A little while ago I was asked by the department of Pathology at the University Medical Center Groningen to develop an interactive 3D model on the anatomy of a lymph node for an e-learning module. The e-learning module itself can be accessed by clicking on the blue button, which will take you directly to the e-learning module. The e-module describes the structure and the cellular composition of lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are a main component of the adaptive immune system. The goal of this system is to specifically and efficiently recognize and attack antigens that are foreign to the individual. Together with other so called secondary lymphoid organs, like the spleen, tonsil and other mucosa associated lymphoid tissues (MALT), the lymph nodes can process virtually any antigen that is present in the body. Lymph nodes are strategically situated throughout the body and receive antigens and antigen presenting cells through lymph vessels.
The model itself was based on elaborate pencil sketches. Once the sketches were approved and further refined, the illustrations were then converted to a 3D model. The software I used to create the interactive 3D model is Pixologic Zbrush. It was great fun to build, since there are hardly any good 3D references and the structures are really interesting. The final 3D model was uploaded onto Sketchfab, where annotations were added as well as some post-processing. Have a go at navigating through the model below:
The e-learning module also shows an interactive 3D model of an overview of the human lymphatic system, which I created earlier. It is a further modification of a model I created as part of the MSc Medical Art at the University of Dundee.
Apart from the main parts of the lymphatic system, it shows the trachea (white) and part of the aorta (red), parts of the venous system (blue) and the skeleton(greyish). Parts of the aorta and the venous system were added since the lymphatics tend to follow the veins in the limbs and the arteries in the torso. The model was created in Zbrush. The trachea, venous system and the aorta were based on online 3d files from Bodyparts3D Anatomography. Have a go at navigating through the model below:
Apart from the main parts of the lymphatic system, it shows the trachea (white) and part of the aorta (red), parts of the venous system (blue) and the skeleton(greyish). Parts of the aorta and the venous system were added since the lymphatics tend to follow the veins in the limbs and the arteries in the torso. The model was created in Zbrush. The trachea, venous system and the aorta were based on online 3d files from Bodyparts3D Anatomography. Have a go at navigating through the model below:
Curious to see more?
Click on the images below to have a look at more interactive 3D models I worked on.
