Kylen Zibetti and Dr. Jonathan Wisco, Physiology and Developmental Biology

The human body is amazingly complex. Every structure and function affects multiple other structures and functions in a very automated way. Going from sitting to standing includes thousands of activated neurons, millions of contracting muscle fibers, and perfect balance coordinated between the semicircular canals and brain. With so much to study it was difficult to narrow it down. I decided though that I wanted to better understand anatomy, and especially the very fine anatomy of the hip because I am interested in gait pattern. After working with Dr. Wisco, I concluded that I would create a three dimensional model of the gluteus medius muscle fibers and it’s attachments to bone or other muscle. I had 3 aims for this project 1) gain the skills necessary to create a 3-D model, 2) train other lab members on 3-D modeling techniques, and 3) create a detailed model of the gluteus medius to improve recover after hip replacement surgery.

In order to obtain the ability to create a 3-D model, I worked with some colleagues of Dr. Wisco who had previously published multiple papers regarding 3-D models. In Fall of 2012, I spent a week at the University of Toronto in Canada working with Dr. Anne Agur and her students. They taught me the ins and outs of using a 3-D microscribe with the software they had developed for the needs of their lab. I felt that I had so much to learn in so little time. The Microscribe functions by creating a data point or dot in three-dimensional space. The researcher can trace nerves, muscle fibers or blood vessels by making a series of dots. This sounds very simple, and it is in principle. It is a different story on a cadaver when trying to follow all of the intricate contours, peaks and valleys of a particular muscle fiber. In order to gather accurate data it is important to keep the dots close together. So the researcher may make a hundred dots on one nerve or vessel. This data is then uploaded to a computer drafting program called Maya. The lines and dots are given texture, shape and color, yielding a three-dimensional model. I also learned to use Maya while at the University of Toronto.

Upon returning home, I discussed with Dr. Wisco what I had learned. We then spent some time finding a good Microscribe and purchased one. Once we had the Microscribe, it took some time to get it formatted correctly, and communicating with the computer in order for us to gather data. I ran into some frustration in this phase of the project wanting to just be able to get started. I also felt that I had let Dr. Wisco, and the other lab members down, because they were waiting to begin their projects using the microscribe, but I couldn’t even train them. I learned to appreciate Dr. Wisco, and his patience. He expressed to me that set-backs were an important part of any lab research, and told me not to be too worried. Eventually we got all of the technical details worked out and I began training other students. I found that it was important to explain all the details, then let them try to use the Microscribe and give them tips as they
went, but that most of the learning occurred when the students tried on their own without help from me. Now there are multiple students trained to use the Microscribe, and one student trained to use Maya.

I am currently in the process of completing the three-dimensional model of the gluteus medius. I ran into some setbacks as I realized that I didn’t have an extensive enough knowledge of Maya in order to fill in all the details I wanted for my three-dimensional model. I used skype to get more help from Dr. Agur’s lab, and I am excited to complete the model to display it at the American Acadamey of Clinical Anatomists conference in July.

The funds from the Orca grant were very helpful. Using them I was able to pay for the travel to Denver, the conference registration, and some of the equipment need for the Microscribe. I was able to accomplish two of the three goals I set when beginning this project. I am fully confident that I will finish the model, and enjoy presenting on my project at the conference in July. In addition to accomplishing these goals, I benefited a great deal from this project. I learned a new skill and learned about training others to gain that skill. I was able to dissect a cadaver and gain a greater appreciation for the human body. I was able to bring something to BYU that wasn’t here before in the Microscribe and the ability to use it. I am contributing to the scientific knowledge regarding hip anatomy. I am glad that I was able to take part in this project, and I appreciate all of the assistance I received from Dr. Wisco, Dr. Agur and the BYU board of Trustees.