Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for enabling interactive visualization of three-dimensional volumetric models. The method involves maintaining three-dimensional volumetric models represented by explicit surfaces. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the method also involves, for a current point of view, generating and displaying images of the volumetric models in a manner that clarifies internal structures by accounting for light attenuation inside the volumetric models as a function of spatial positions of the explicit surfaces. The method also involves, upon receiving user input that adjusts a display variable, repeating the generating and the displaying of the images in accordance with the display variable that has been adjusted, thereby enabling interactive visualization of the volumetric models while simultaneously clarifying the internal structures by accounting for the light attenuation inside the volumetric models.