Monash Functional Anatomy & Biomechanics 3D scan data

The Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics Research Group uses biomedical imaging to investigate the function of different anatomical systems. Different biomedical imaging modes - CT, MRI, confocal microscopy, synchrotron, etc - are used to generate 3D image stacks of anatomical specimens; these images stacks are then processed into 3D computer models, which then form the basis for a host of research questions (e.g. following changes in morphology during development; quantifying anatomical variation within and between study groups; numerical analysis of biomechanics). This capacity is also being used to develop the next generation of anatomical teaching tools.

At present, the collection includes data from human and from many non-human species, both living and extinct. Many of the zoological and palaeobiological datasets are from species for which this type of data is rare or non-existent. The human anatomy scans are typically at much higher resolution than those available through anonymised clinical scan data-sets. The long-term aim, in addition to having a stable and secure storage for the collection for Monash researchers, is to make components of the collection accessible to collaborators and partners both nationally and internationally.