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Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Extracting the Cochlea from a Human Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Protocol
Published on: August 18, 2023
3 D printed replica of the human temporal bone intended for teaching gross anatomy
Janusz Skrzat1, Matthew J Zdilla2, Paweł Brzegowy3
1Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland. j.skrzat@uj.edu.pl.
Abstract:
The anatomy of the human temporal bone is complex and, therefore, poses unique challenges for students. Furthermore, temporal bones are frequently damaged from handling in educational settings due to their inherent fragility. This report details the production of a durable physical replica of the adult human temporal bone, manufactured using 3D printing technology. The physical replica was printed from a highly accurate virtual 3D model generated from CT scans of an isolated temporal bone. Both the virtual and physical 3D models accurately reproduced the surface anatomy of the temporal bone. Therefore, virtual and physical 3D models of the temporal bone can be used for educational purposes in order to supplant the use of damaged or otherwise fragile human temporal bones.
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