Bioprinting of 3D anatomical models of flat and long thoracic limb bones of domestic cats (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Any technique that assists the study of anatomy is important for the development of learning because knowledge creates a fundamental connection to the clinical and surgical routine. Three-dimensional (3D) model printing has gained visibility by achieving similarities between the real model and the printed one. This work aimed to produce 3D-printed anatomical pieces which are true to the real parts of the flat (scapula) and long (humerus, radius and ulna) bones of the thoracic limb in cats. Domestic cat bones from the FMVZ-USP Veterinary Macroscopic Anatomy Laboratory collection were used to obtain the scanned images and prints of the 3D models. The obtained 3D models were similar to the real bones and included the anatomical particularities of the species. Anatomical details of the scapula, humerus, radius, and ulna were reliably obtained. This study produced digital and printed 3D anatomical models of the flat and long bones of the thoracic limb, which can be used interactively and dynamically to teach comparative and applied anatomy.