Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 13.8
Vo x e l - m a n v i ew e r [
12
]
extensively segmented and mapped to a structured vocabulary (see Fig.
13.8
)by
using the Visible Human Data [
13
] set, which contains a high quality CT and MRI
full body scan of a male and a female human body and also high resolution im-
ages. Unlike other digital atlases as Google body browser, it provides a detailed and
annotated model of brain, skull and inner organs inside the torso. In this way, an
interactive exploration of a 3D parameterized anatomical model with the possibility
of querying is allowed at a very fine level of detail.
In particular, even if it is based on two fixed reference models, the VOXEL-MAN
3D-Navigator application is intended for studying the anatomy in 3D, improving
the understanding of both X-ray and cross-sectional radiological images. This is
specifically suitable for surgery simulators.
13.3 Emphasis on Lexical Modality
Knowledge technologies and, more in general, knowledge formalizations, are
intended to exploit the expressive power of the language to describe in details the
medical concepts to focus on. Since natural language is often affected by a certain
degree of subjectivity, many efforts are made to provide a shared and formalized
lexicalization. In this way, it is possible to address not only standardization, but also
machine-readability (due to the formalized representation). Having a precisely for-
malized terminology, the medical domain looks as an ideal domain to be crystallized
into a formal conceptualization. Yet, this field is so broad and heterogeneous that it
is difficult to refer to one single conceptualization which is agreed upon. Different
