The model shows the location of the temporal bone and its relationship with the adjoining sphenoid, parietal and occipital bones.
The superior aspect of the petrous part of the temporal bone including the tegmen tympani has been removed to reveal its detailed internal architecture, and structure associated with the auditory and vestibular apparatus.
The middle ear (coloured orange) is revealed to show the tympanum, along with the aditus, antrum (laterally), and the ‘bone’ part of the pharangotympanic tube and the bony canal of the tensor tympani muscle (medially). Collectively, these form a direct anterior-posterior passage between the nasopharynx and the mastoid air cells (coloured blue). The bony labyrinth of the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear is seen juxtaposed with the middle ear. The orthogonal arrangement of the anterior, lateral, and posterior semicircular canals and the spiral organisation of the cochlea can be clearly identified.
The passage of the facial nerve (CN VII) through the petrous part of the temporal bone and its intimate spatial relationship with the auditory and vestibular apparatus is shown in yellow. Proximad, the nerve courses in an anterolateral direction before descending distally to emerge from the bone via the stylomastoid foramen located between the mastoid and styloid processes.
The condyle of the mandible can be seen in the mandibular fossa at the origin of the zygomatic process of squamous part of the temporal bone. The temporomandibular joint has had the capsule removed to reveal the articular disc of the joint (indicated by a blue/grey colouration). The anterior aspect of the mastoid process has been transected to show the extensive nature of the mastoid air cells.
The cervical part of the internal carotid artery can be seen ascending to enter into the carotid canal within the petrous part of the temporal bone. Its anteromedial course can be seen within the exposed aspect of the bone, and its s-shaped continuance within the cavernous sinus of the sphenoid bone, and its emergence into the neurocranium.
The model also shows the transverse dural venous sinus, its continuation into the sigmoidal sinus (located on the posterior internal aspect of the squamous part of the temporal bone), and passage through the jugular foramen to form the internal jugular vein.
The inferior petrosal sinus is also seen leading into the jugular foramen.
The model also shows the foramen magnum and first three cervical vertebrae cut in parasagittal section. Note the sphenoid sinus located axially within the base of the sphenoid bone.
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