3D printed anatomical prototypes of the spinal cord

Abstract

Human anatomy is considered an essential basis for medical training. However, there are difficulties in acquiring cadaveric structures for study, especially when it comes to neuroanatomical structures, which are also very difficult to handle and dissect due to their fragility. Faced with these difficulties, alternative means, such as the use of 3D printing to manufacture anatomical parts, have been developed in recent years.  Thus, after discovering that the main demands within the anatomy laboratory of the UFPR Toledo Campus medical course are structures of the central nervous system, the aim of this research was to make neuroanatomical structures using 3D printing in order to promote differentiated and complementary teaching in neuroanatomy in this laboratory. Thus, the structures of the spinal cord were detailed in: a prototype of the complete spinal cord containing sulci, central canal, white matter, gray matter, anterior median fissure and intumescences; four cross-sections of the spinal cord in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions with differentiation of the proportions of white and gray matter along these regions; a cross-section of the white matter showing its tracts and fascicles; a cross-section of the gray matter showing its laminae from I to X and columns. The methodology used to make these models was 3D molds using the Fusion 360 program, which is available free of charge to students at the institution, based on images obtained from neuroanatomy books included in the UFPR library's digital collection. These models were then printed using a 3D printer with thermoplastic materials in partnership with Biopark. Finally, we hope to contribute and spread the word not only to UFPR, but also to other institutions about the importance of innovative and technological learning, in the expectation that further studies will be carried out to evaluate the practical approach of the parts in the academic environment.