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. 2025 Jun 24;10(3):e70190.
doi: 10.1002/lio2.70190. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Micro-CT Analysis of Rodent Temporal Bones: Identifying Optimal Species for Otological Research

Hannah Daoudi  1   2 , Evelyne Ferrary  1   2 , Cerine Moula  3 , Florence Agnely  3 , Amélie Bochot  3 , Catherine Cailleau  3 , Yann Nguyen  1   2 , Ghizlène Lahlou  1   2 , Renato Torres  1   2
Affiliations

Micro-CT Analysis of Rodent Temporal Bones: Identifying Optimal Species for Otological Research

Hannah Daoudi et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. .

Abstract

Objectives: Rodents are used in most otological research studies and the choice of the most appropriate animal model may be crucial in studies of ear diseases and in the development of effective treatments. Here, we used micro-CT to compare temporal bone anatomy between four rodent model animals (guinea pigs, gerbils, rats, and mice) and humans, aiming to better characterize the anatomy of the inner and middle ear, and facial nerve to support informed animal model selection in otologic research.

Methods: We generated three-dimensional reconstructions and measured the various middle (tympanic membrane, ossicular chain, and facial nerve) and inner (cochlea, vestibular labyrinth) ear structures.

Results: Each structure of the middle or inner ear of each rodent was described and measured.

Conclusion: This micro-CT analysis of rodents can guide researchers in their choice of the most suitable middle or inner ear models based on the specific anatomic area of interest. Our findings highlight the strengths and limitations of each species, providing essential insight that could enhance the precision and applicability of otological studies.

Level of evidence: 4.

Keywords: animal model; cochlea; imaging; middle ear anatomy; three‐dimensional anatomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Tympanic membrane and cavity in humans and rodents. Micro‐CT views of a right ear (A). The axis of the axial plane was aligned with respect to the lateral semicircular canal (upper image). The tympanic membrane (dotted line) was measured on the axial plane (middle image), and the coronal plane passing through the umbo (lower image). 3D reconstruction of the tympanic membrane (B). The dotted line delimits the part of the membrane visible via the external auditory canal. 3D reconstruction of the middle and inner ear, lateral (upper image) and posterior (lower image) views (C). The dotted line delimits the tympanic cavity.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Ossicular chain of humans and rodents. Micro‐CT views of a right ear (A). View of the incudo‐malleolar complex (+malleus, *incus, ◦incudo‐malleolar complex) along a sagittal plane aligned with its axis (upper image). View of the stapes along an axial plane aligned with its axis (lower image). In the image for the guinea pig, the crista stapedius is indicated by the white arrow. 3D reconstruction of the middle and inner ears, ossicular chain view (B).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Cochlea of humans and rodents. Micro‐CT views of a right ear (A). The axial plane was aligned with the middle plane of the basal turn (upper image). The sagittal plane was aligned with the basal turn (middle image). The height of the cochlea was measured on this plane (double arrow, H). The coronal plane intersected with the center of the round window and the cochlear turn at 180° (lower image). Distance A was measured on this plane (double arrow, A). 3D reconstruction of the middle and inner ears, cochlear view (B).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Semicircular canals from humans and rodents: 3D reconstruction of the middle and inner ears.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Most appropriate animal models for studies of various otological conditions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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