3D-reconstruction in arthropods: advantages and disadvantages of semi-thin section series and tomography

3D-reconstruction (3DR) of arthropod anatomy enables an exact analysis of spatial relations of components, and an increased intersubjectivity of results by a high realism of visualization. aim of our presentation is to compare semi-thin section data with tomographic data in 3DR. The discussion, based on investigations of the anatomy of small insects and mites will focus on the interplay of (i) time consumption and (ii) accuracy of both techniques. Tomography has the advantage of faster processing, since cutting and subsequent digitalization of section series is time consuming. An acceleration of digitalization may be achieved by using ribbon methods of semi-thin section series. Tomography provides complete, already aligned data. In section methods alignment problems and loss of single sections may occur. These shortcomings are lessened by alignment software, and by the possibility to interpolate labels of lost sections. A major advantage of section series lies in the possibility of using different resolutions in analysis and 3DR. In tomography the resolution of analysis equals the resolution of 3DR. In histological sections parallel to 3DR of digitalized data, the analysis of raw data can be performed under higher resolution. Moreover, histological sections have the advantage of colour information. The lower tissue specificity of tomography can be advanced by contrast agents like osmium-fixation. Data from both methods have different advantages which makes the choice dependent on the particular scientific questions.