Branched Structure Analysis: Nodes

Each tree selected for the analysis is assigned a unique number starting at 1.

Describes the node position based on its root segment. The root segment is the segment closest to the origin of the process; the other segments are referred to as daughter segments.

R is the root segment, that is, the segment from the origin to the first node. In a bifurcating tree, the daughter segments at the first node are R-1 and R-2. If R-1 ends in a node, the 2 daughter segments are R-1-1 and R-1-2. If R-2 ends in a node, the 2 daughter segments are R-2-1 and R-2-2.

Length of the path from the origin to the node.

Shortest distance from the origin to the node.

Tortuosity = [Distance along process] / [Straight line distance]

• The smallest tortuosity possible is 1—This is a straight path.
• Tortuosity increases as the segment assumes a more complex path to reach its destination.
• Tortuosity allows segments of different lengths to be compared in terms of the complexity of the paths they take.

(X,Y,Z) coordinates of the node