Origin

• The term volume rendering comes from the "volumetric" properties or "volume" of substances as varied as fog, fire and human organs.
  
  

Purpose

• Because certain substances have unique movements and properties, they require a more complex process of surface rendering to make their images appear realistic. Volume rendering attempts to address these problems through digital software animation.
  
  

How It Works

• Volume rendering is a three-step process that involves mapping the movements of a particular substance using strategically placed data points, reconstructing its movements digitally, and simulating those movements onto a 2D plane (like your computer screen).
  
  

Application

• Volume rendering is used extensively in the medical field to map parts of the human body and perform simulations of fluid movement within the human body. It is also commonly used in video gaming and animation software.