Segments analyses

A segment is defined as any portion of a branched structure with endings that are either nodes or terminations with no intermediate nodes.

Segment details report

Total length of the path used to trace the segment.

Length-weighted mean. The segment is modeled as a series of frusta. The length of each frustum is used in the calculations to provide a correct average diameter over the length of the segment as it tapers.

Tortuosity = [Actual length of the segment] / [Distance between the endpoints of the segment]

  • The smallest value is 1; this represents a straight segment.
  • 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.

Contiguous segments

Total length of the paths used to trace the contiguous segments.

Length-weighted mean for all segments. Segments are modeled as a series of frusta. The length of each frustum is used in the calculations to provide a correct average diameter over the length of a segment as it tapers.

Binned segments

Segments are grouped in bins according to their average diameters.

Segment details by diameter: The maximum diameter for each bin is incremented by this value.

For example, if you enter 5 μm, segments will be analyzed as follows:

  • 0<diameter≤5
  • 5<diameter≤10
  • 10<diameter≤15, etc.

Total length of the paths used to trace the segments.

Computed by modeling the pieces of the segments as frusta (i.e., truncated right circular cones).

Length-weighted mean for all segments. Segments are modeled as a series of frusta. The length of each frustum is used in the calculations to provide a correct average diameter over the length of a segment as it tapers.

Number of segments per bin