Microcomputer reconstruction of pancreaticobiliary embryogenesis

The origin, approximation, and fusion of the dorsal and ventral pancreatic anlage were reconstructed using new microcomputer methodology. Representative human embryos of Carnegie stage 15–17 were studied by digitizing serial contours and creating three‐dimensional computer models. Solid surface color displays showing multiple views of each reconstruction demonstrated developmental relationships and changes between these three critical stages. This exercise demonstrates the power of this new technology for clarifying morphological concepts in research and education.