Advances in Human Morphological Embryology Based on Three-Dimensional Analysis Using Phase Contrast X-Ray Computed Tomography

Abstract

Humans undergo profound morphological changes from fertilization to birth. However, traditional approaches relying on two-dimensional histological sections and conventional imaging modalities such as absorption-contrast computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have had limitations in capturing the embryonic morphology with sufficient resolution. In contrast, phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography (PCX-CT) has played a leading role in elucidating morphogenetic processes during the human embryonic period. In this paper, we summarize recent studies employing PCX-CT for three-dimensional morphological analysis of human embryos, and discuss their major achievements and future perspectives.