Apparatus and methods are disclosed for holding a subject body (or body
portion, generally termed "body") at a desired stereotaxic orientation
relative to a known reference point, in three-dimensional space, where a
reference X-axis, a reference Y-axis, and a reference Z-axis mutually
intersect. The reference point can be co-positioned with a target point on
or in the subject body so as to place the body in a reference position
used in a corresponding anatomical atlas or other locational index. With
the body so positioned, a probe or other tool can be inserted into the
body to a desired locus with high accuracy (in hitting the desired locus)
and with high precision (from one animal to the next). The methods and
apparatus have especial utility in surgical and diagnostic interventions,
including such interventions involving the central nervous system encased
in surrounding skull or the like.
