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. 2007;69(2):63-7.
doi: 10.1159/000097369. Epub 2006 Nov 23.

A downloadable three-dimensional virtual model of the visible ear

Haobing Wang  1 , Saumil N Merchant, Mads S Sorensen
Affiliations

A downloadable three-dimensional virtual model of the visible ear

Haobing Wang et al. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2007.

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual model of a human temporal bone and surrounding structures.

Methods: A fresh-frozen human temporal bone was serially sectioned and digital images of the surface of the tissue block were recorded (the 'Visible Ear'). The image stack was resampled at a final resolution of 50 x 50 x 50/100 micro m/voxel, registered in custom software and segmented in PhotoShop 7.0. The segmented image layers were imported into Amira 3.1 to generate smooth polygonal surface models.

Results: The 3-D virtual model presents the structures of the middle, inner and outer ears in their surgically relevant surroundings. It is packaged within a cross-platform freeware, which allows for full rotation, visibility and transparency control, as well as the ability to slice the 3-D model open at any section. The appropriate raw image can be superimposed on the cleavage plane. The model can be downloaded at: (https://research.meei.harvard.edu/Otopathology/3dmodels/).

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A photographic image of the surface of the tissue block during cryosectioning of the Visible Ear.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A screen shot of the virtual model of the Visible Ear displayed in the 3-D Surface Viewer. The dura and CNS have been turned off, and the bone set to be half transparent.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
A screen shot of the virtual model of the Visible Ear displayed in the 3-D Surface Viewer, superimposed with three 2-D images in three orthogonal planes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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