Database created from magnetic resonance images of a Sprague-Dawley rat, rhesus monkey, and pigmy goat.

ABSTRACT

To obtain a database of accurate anatomical images onto which dosimetry data of electromagnetic fields could be mapped, a healthy Sprague-Dawley rat, rhesus monkey, and pigmy goat were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Axial sections throughout the length of the animals were collected. Sections were 3 mm thick for the rat and 5 mm thick for the monkey and goat. Sagittal sections (2 mm thick) of the rat head were also scanned. Images were recorded on magnetic tape and transferred to computer disk for image enhancement and network distribution. Images are available in 16 bit Big Endian signed or 8 bit TIFF formats. This is the first database of contiguous MRI axial scans of rat, monkey, and goat available for distribution via magnetic tape (4 mm DDS) or Internet file transfer protocol. Digital transfer of the data was selected to preserve the integrity of each image, circumventing the need for the user to scan the images back into a digital format for use with their software. These images should be useful to physiologists, neuroscientists, veterinarians, anatomists, and teachers. Reconstructing these 2-dimensional images into 3-dimensional structures is an effective media for conveying spatial anatomical information in a quick and comprehensive manner.