title: Three-dimensional temporal bone reconstruction from histological sections.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To produce a high-resolution, three-dimensional temporal bone model from serial sections, using a personal computer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Digital images were acquired from histological sections of the temporal bone. Image registration, segmentation and three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction were performed using a personal computer. The model was assessed for anatomical accuracy and interactivity by otologists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An accurate, high-resolution, three-dimensional model of the temporal bone was produced, containing structures relevant to otological surgery. The facial nerve, labyrinth, internal carotid artery, jugular bulb and all of the ossicles were seen (including the stapes footplate), together with the internal and external auditory meati. Some projections also showed the chorda tympani nerve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high-resolution, three-dimensional computer model of the complete temporal bone was produced using a personal computer. Because of the increasing difficulty in procuring cadaveric bones, this model could be a useful adjunct for training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery,James Cook University Hospital,Middlesbrough,UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: University College London Ear Institute,UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D013198:Stapedius / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D014015:Tissue Banks; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery