The zebrafish Weberian apparatus is an emerging model for human conductive hearing system. Their Weberian apparatus comprises minute bones and ligamentary links, and conducts sound pressure transmission from the gas bladder to inner ear through four pairs of Weberian ossicles along the vertebral column. We herein present a methodological study using MicroCT to image the Weberian apparatus for biomechanical and morphological analysis. The aim of this work is to evaluate computational models generated from multiple MicroCT scans with different parameters, to identify the most feasible scan combination for practical (minimized scan time) yet accurate (relative to highest resolution) biomechanical simulations. We segmented and created 3D models from CT scan image stacks at 4.64 μm, 5.05 μm, 9.30 μm and 13.08 μm voxel resolutions, respectively. Then, we used geometric morphometrics analysis to quantify inter-model shape differences, as well as a series of finite element modal and harmonic analyses to simulate auditory signal vibrations. Relative to the highest resolution and most accurate model, the Model 9.30 is closest in overall geometry and biomechanical behavior of all lower resolution models. The differences in resolution and quality of the CT substantially affect the segmentation and reconstruction process of the three-dimensional model of the ossicles, and the subsequent analyses. We conclude that scan voxel resolution is a key factor influencing outcomes of biomechanical simulations of delicate and minute structures, especially when studying the harmonic response of minute ossicles connected by ligaments using finite element modeling. Furthermore, contrast variations in CT images as determined by x-ray power and scan speed, also affect fidelity in 3D models and simulation outcomes.

斑马鱼韦伯装置是人类传导听力系统的新兴模型。他们的韦伯式装置包括微小的骨骼和韧带连接，并沿着脊柱通过四对韦伯式听小骨将声压从气囊传输到内耳。我们在此介绍了使用 MicroCT 对韦伯装置进行成像以进行生物力学和形态学分析的方法学研究。这项工作的目的是评估从具有不同参数的多次 MicroCT 扫描生成的计算模型，以确定最可行的扫描组合，以实现实用（最小化扫描时间）但准确（相对于最高分辨率）的生物力学模拟。我们分别从 4.64 μm、5.05 μm、9.30 μm 和 13.08 μm 体素分辨率的 CT 扫描图像堆栈中分割并创建了 3D 模型。然后，我们使用几何形态计量学分析来量化模型间的形状差异，以及一系列有限元模态和谐波分析来模拟听觉信号振动。相对于最高分辨率和最准确的模型，9.30 型在所有低分辨率模型的整体几何形状和生物力学行为方面最接近。CT分辨率和质量的差异极大地影响了听小骨三维模型的分割和重建过程，以及后续的分析。我们得出结论，扫描体素分辨率是影响精细和微小结构生物力学模拟结果的关键因素，尤其是在使用有限元建模研究由韧带连接的微小小骨的谐波响应时。此外，