AN ENBLARGED DISMANTABLE ANATOMICAL MODEL OF EAR IN PAPIER MACHE BY AUZOUX, OBSERVATION AND PHOTOGRAPHICAL TRI‐DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of a 19th century anatomical model of ear by Auzoux (a french manufacturer). It measured 63cm in length; 43cm in width; 37cm in height. The disassembled parts were studied on the morphological aspect in its whole and after removing of its components: external ear (43×23×15cm), tympanic drum and middle ear ossicles; cochleo‐vestibular apparatus. The main dimensions of each part were recorded. The arterial vascularisation of the three components of the ear and its sensitive and sensorial nervous system were established on the model which represented the external carotid artery with its terminal bifurcation, several collateral branches specially the posterior auricular artery at the two extremities of the carotid canal. The cochleo‐vestibular and facial nerve as well as other elements of small caliber were exactly figured and labelled by a number. The middle ear components were disassembled. The ossicles of the middle ear and a dried, peritoneal tympanic membrane were dismountable as a whole. This kind of rare model can be dated at the earliest 1835.