Brainatomy-Demystifying the Temporal Bone, Rule of 3-2-1
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Extracting the Cochlea from a Human Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Protocol
Published on: August 18, 2023
Kadir Er1, Dimitrios Patsalis1, Sotirios Katsigiannis1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Background:
The temporal bone is difficult to comprehend in three-dimensional (3D) space. We provide a novel 3D mental model of the temporal bone which helps clinicians and surgeons dealing with it in teaching, diagnosing, conservative managements, and preoperative and intraoperative orientation. This study is part of the scientific project Brainatomy.
Objective:
To analyze and simplify the temporal bone anatomy to enhance its comprehension and long-term retention.
Methods:
The study was conducted at the Neurosurgical Department of the University Hospital of Bochum, Germany. We retrospectively analyzed data sets of 221 adult patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) of the skull (n = 167) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain (n = 54). A total of 142 patients with their respective imaging scans remained in our pool of interest after excluding 79 scans. The raw digital imaging and communications in medicine scans were transformed into 3D objects. Spatial analyses were then conducted, and all collected data were used to create our own 3D model of the temporal bone.
Results:
We define the temporal bone as a prism-shaped model and divide it into 6 compartments: apex, neurovascular, mastoid, blank, tympanic, and temporomandibular compartments. The division into compartments has been achieved with the "Rule of 3-2-1." Finally, the 3D model has been used to record a video (Video), using a novel and "easy-to-follow" didactic approach.
Conclusion:
This simplified 3D model along with the corresponding video (Video) potentially enhances the efficiency of studying temporal none anatomy with a novel "easy-to-follow" approach.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Anatomy of the Ear
Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
Lobes of the Cerebrum
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements....

