Computer-aided 3-dimensional modeling of human ear

A complete 3D virtual model of the major structures of the ear responsible for the transfer of sound was constructed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The model was created from the digital images of histological sections of a human temporal bone. These images were enhanced, resized, and aligned with respect to four fiducial marks using photo management software. Each structure of the ear including the external ear canal, middle ear, and cochlea was extracted from the sections and arranged to produce a complete 3D model within the SolidWorks environment. The individual structures can then be combined to produce a complete model of the entire human ear. The model will be used for analysis and further advanced modeling techniques.