Innovative 3D Model of the Human Middle Ear in High Resolution with a Histological Microgrinding Method: A Feasibility Study and Comparison with CT

Figure 3

The blood vessel system inside the malleus (a, c) and incus (b, d) of the 3D model of the stained histological planes (a, b) compared with the selected planes (c, d). The blood vessel system (black) and the small cartilage areas (red) inside the malleus (a) and incus (b) are reconstructed three-dimensionally. Exemplary reflected light microscopic images of the grinding surface after surface staining with the modified staining according to Mann-Dominici demonstrate the blood vessels (arrowhead) and cartilage (asterisk) inside the malleus head (c) and incus body (d). Grinding surfaces after removing (c) 7.893 mm and (d) 6.565 mm of the total sample, respectively.

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