Transverse Section of the head - Erler Zimmer
This 3D representation showcases a cross-sectional view of the cranial cavity, with partial brain dissection and visibility of the left orbital roof. Additionally, it features a detailed dissection of the facial and temporomandibular joint regions.
Inside the cranial cavity, the dura mater has been mostly removed from the anterior cranial fossa while retaining some layers in the middle and posterior cranial fossae. On the right side, the cerebrum has been dissected to reveal the lateral ventricle and expose the lateral fissure, illustrating the course of the middle cerebral artery among the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. A more extensive brain dissection on the left side offers a view of the midline third ventricle, the preserved septum pellucidum on the right, the falx cerebri (with a cross-sectional view of the superior sagittal sinus), and portions of the anterior and posterior horns of the lateral ventricle with choroid plexus. This differential brain dissection also provides an excellent view of the optic nerves, chiasm, tracts, and their relation to the left internal carotid artery and the bases of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries.
Anteriorly within the cranial cavity, the left optic nerve can be traced into the left orbit, which has been opened to reveal several critical orbital structures. In the central area, the frontal nerve remains intact on the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. Laterally, the lacrimal gland is situated in the upper quadrant, while medial dissection into the frontal bone and sinuses offers a clear view of the superior oblique muscle passing through the trochlea. Deeper structures beneath these superficial layers include the removal of extraocular fat to expose the medial rectus muscle on the lateral side and the nasociliary nerve and medial rectus muscles on the medial side.
In the facial region, the skin, superficial tissue, orbicularis oculi, and extraocular fat have been removed from the right orbit to expose the extraocular muscles and lacrimal gland. Despite detachment from the superior tarsal plate, the levator palpebrae superioris is clearly defined. The reflection of the superior oblique muscle from the trochlea onto the eye is visible, along with the insertions of the medial and lateral rectus muscles and the entire path of the inferior oblique muscle.
On the remaining right side of the face and temporal region, deep dissection reveals various structures. Below the orbital margin, the infraorbital artery and nerve are exposed as they exit through the infraorbital foramen. The superficial and deep heads of the masseter muscle are well delineated, and the partial dissection of the temporalis muscle provides insight into its broad origin and fiber depth near the pterion (in contrast to the exposed and undisturbed right side). Below the zygomatic arch, the parotid gland is dissected to reveal the mandibular condyle resting in the glenoid fossa, illustrating the relationship of the external ear relative to the external auditory meatus.
