Objective     To build three-dimensional reconstruction and visualization model of the brachial plexus to demonstrate the compositions and orientations of the plexus.      Methods     Cross-sectional images from the superior border of the fourth cervical vertebra to the superior border of the fourth thoracic vertebra collected from the dataset of the first Chinese visible human were subjected in this study. The anatomic structures of the brachial plexus

spinal cord

clavicle

subclavian vessels and axillary vessels were reconstructed three-dimensionally by 3D-DOCTOR software with a P4 computer.      Results     The roots

trunks

divisions

cords of the brachial plexus were observed on the serial thin cross-sections. The formation of the brachial plexus and its adjacent structures were successfully reconstructed and 3-D visualized. The digitized visible model of the brachial plexus was established.      Conclusion     The Chinese visible human dataset can provide complete and accurate data for the brachial plexus’  thin cross-sections. On the base of three-dimensional model of the brachial plexus

the established mode actually displays the formation of the brachial plexus and relations to its adjacent structures

providing morphologic data for anatomy education and brachial plexus trauma diagnosis and therapy.