Virtual temporal bone: Creation and application of a new computer-based teaching tool

The human temporal bone is a 3-dimensionally complex anatomic region with m any unique qualities that make anatomic teaching and learning difficult, Cu rrent teaching tools have proved only partially adequate for the needs of t he aspiring otologic surgeon in learning this anatomy. We used a variety of computerized image processing and reconstruction techniques to reconstruct an anatomically accurate 3-dimensional computer model of the human tempora l bone from serial histologic sections. The model is viewed with a speciali zed visualization system that allows it to be manipulated easily in a stere oscopic virtual environment. The model may then be interactively studied fr om any viewpoint, greatly simplifying the task of conceptualizing and learn ing this anatomy. The system also provides for simultaneous computer networ king that can bring distant participants into a single shared virtual teach ing environment. Future directions of the project are discussed.