Abstract:

Objective To explore a specimen preparing method of middle and inner ear for direct observation. Methods Marking the standardized line for sawing on the inner and basale surfaces of the human temporal bone. Using a junior hack-saw to open the temporal bone along the marked line to show the middle ear structure. The inner ear structure was exposed with a hand drill. Simulation of tympanic membrane, auditory ossicles, facial nerve, chorda tympani and internal carotid artery were then restructured. A hinge was used to connect the two halves of the temporal bone. Results All six walls of the tympanic cavity were clearly shown in the sawed temporal bone, which showed the pyramidal eminence, pharyngotympanic tube, oval window and round window. Three opened semicircular canals and the crosssection of the cochlear in the inner ear were exposed. The reconstructed auditory ossides, facial nerve, chorda tympani, internal carotid artery and tympanic membrane were used to show the structure and position in three dimensions. The hinge connection can be opened to observe the internal structures and closed to see the overall form. Conclusion The sawing and grinding method were applied to the preparation of the inner ear specimen. The sawing pathe and the grinding site of the inner ear were standardized. This method provides a solid foundation for the anatomy teaching and clinical application of the ear.

Key words: Ear, Middle ear, Inner ear, Anatomy, Specimen preparation, Human