Brainatomy: A Novel Way of Teaching Sphenoid Bone Anatomy With a Simplified 3-Dimensional Model

The diagnosis and treatment of diseases at and around the sphenoid bone demands throughout understanding of its anatomy in 3-dimensional (3-D) space. However, despite the complex anatomic nature of the sphenoid bone, the current educational resources for its 3-D anatomy are insufficient for fast and long-term retention of the anatomic relationships.

To provide a simplified 3-D model of the sphenoid bone that anyone can easily learn and recall as an internal mental model.

Various studies on the anatomy of the sphenoid bone were analyzed. The collected data included the shape, foramina, canals, fissures, and minute details of the sphenoid bone. The gained detailed knowledge was subsequently used to create a 3-D model of the sphenoid bone with the help of 3-D computer software. A live lecture was given with this same software and simultaneously recorded with a microphone and a computer-screen recorder. A novel approach in lecturing, building the sphenoid bone from the scratch in a piecemeal fashion, was utilized.

The sphenoid bone was recreated as an horizontally elongated box without a superior and posterior wall. All its foramina, canals, and fissures are visually easy to follow. Understanding its neuroanatomic terminologies based on their anatomic nature and relationships is enhanced.

This simplified 3-D model, along with the video lecture, will enhance the efficiency of studying sphenoid bone anatomy. The educational resources of this study can be obtained by medical students, radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, or anyone else seeking for fundamental understanding of sphenoid bone anatomy.