This article highlights the utility of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for characterising microscale bone morphology. For this purpose we tested selected samples of the human bones (Wormian bone, rib, lumbar vertebra) to reconstruct external and internal morphological features. Selected bony samples were investigated using a micro-CT scanner (Skyscan 1172, N.V., Aartselaar, Belgium). The image resolution of scans varied from 5 to 27 µm/pixel depending on the bone sample. We used CTvox software (by Skyscan) to perform volume rendering of the samples. Further, 3-dimensional geometrical models were reconstructed using the CTvol application. Such models enabled graphical distinction between osseous components of various morphology and were used to visualise the Haversian canal system inside the compact bone of the rib. Applying a modified transfer function for volume rendering we presented the overall morphology of the Wormian bone and small vascular channels penetrating its interior. As an example of quantitative analysis based on micro-CT scans we compared the trabecular structure of the lumbar vertebrae with CTAn software. Significant differences in percent bone volume (BV/TV) were determined. Micro-CT was found to be a very accurate and helpful method to study small anatomical structures of the bones in micro scale. (Folia Morphol 2014; 73, 4: 422–428)
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