Objective    To build a 3D digitized visible model of liver to provide anatomical structure for surgical plans of hepatic operation.     Methods    Transverse sections of abdomen were chosen from the Chinese Visible Human dataset. The liver was reconstructed at 3D level with surface rendering combined volume rendering reconstruction. Many interactive functions were added. The established system was used to carry out a virtual anatomy for liver structure.     Results    Accurately segmented images of the main structures of liver were completed. The reconstructed structures can be displayed singly

in small groups or as a whole and could be continuously rotated in 3D space at different velocities. The profound areas

such as caudate lobe and extrahepatic portacaval space

could be shown clearly.     Conclusion    The reconstructed liver is realistic

which demonstrates the natural shape and exact position of the structures. It provides an accurate model for the training of the hepatic operation.