Anat Cell Biol.  2024 Dec;57(4):592-597. 10.5115/acb.24.127.

Visualization of the infratemporal fossa: enhancing anatomical learning through three-dimensional modeling

• Cho W
• Kim HJ
• Hur MS
• Lee HS
• Youn KH

• KMID: 2562506
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.24.127

Abstract

The infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa are critical pathways for blood vessels and nerves leading to the orbit, nasal cavity, and oral cavity. Anatomical observation of these areas is challenging for learners due to their complex connections with surrounding structures and their deep location within the body. Since it is not easy to understand this area in three dimensions with only textbook images, there is a need to produce three-dimensional (3D) content. Most existing 3D data have reconstructed the digital imaging and communication in medicine files from computed tomography images with high accuracy; however, the surrounding structures often obstruct the view. For this reason, this project utilized Cinema4D (R18) software to refine the modeled bones and to create 3D models of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves that accurately represent their anatomical shapes and pathways. To facilitate easier access for learners via PC, the content was converted into PDF format. This enables the educational materials to be more easily viewed and the main structures more clearly observed using a computer-based viewer.

Keyword

Anatomical learning; Infratemporal fossa; Mandibular nerve; Maxillary artery; Three-dimensional modeling

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flowchart of three-dimensional (3D) PDF creation using Adobe Acrobat (Adobe) and Tetra4D (Tech Soft 3D).

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  Fig. 2 The default screen of Adobe Acrobat DC (Adobe) running a three-dimensional PDF.

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  Fig. 3 Three-dimensional modeling of the infratemporal fossa: detailed depictions of muscular, vascular, and neural anatomy. (A) Rendered view of the infratemporal fossa. (B) Rendered view of the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. (C) Rendered view of the maxillary artery. (D) Rendered view of the mandibular nerve. (E) View of the infratemporal fossa with the pterygoid muscles removed. (F) The space of the infratemporal fossa in the bone. (G) The model viewed from the left side. (H) The model viewed from the inside with both the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles removed.

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  Fig. 4 Interactive three-dimensional (3D) PDF visualization of the infratemporal fossa: detailed anatomical layers revealed through progressive modeling. (A) A model created using 3D PDF technology. (B) View with the mandible removed. (C) View with the mandible and lateral pterygoid muscle removed. (D) View with the mandible and lateral pterygoid muscle removed, seen from the posterior side. (E) View with only the maxillary artery and mandibular nerve visible. (F) View with only the maxillary artery visible. (G) View with only the mandibular nerve visible. (H) View after adjusting the orientation and zooming in to observe the maxillary nerve located inside the pterygopalatine fossa. (I) View from a lateroinferior angle with the mandible and medial pterygoid muscle removed, and transparency applied to the lateral pterygoid muscle and mandibular nerve. (J) View from the skull base.

Reference

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