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Objective: In recent years, 3-D printing technology has been the subject of interest due to its numerous applications in medicine. The ability to produce accurate 3-D models has attracted the attention of anatomists. The aim of the study was to provide information about the ideal section thickness in order to produce the best anatomical prints and models. Methods: CT and MR images with different section thicknesses were used in the study. STL images of the skull bones were created from the obtained serial CT sections. STL images of the central nervous system structures were obtained from MR serial sections. The differences of the section thickness in the obtained STL images were evaluated comparatively in order to show the details of the anatomical formations in both soft tissues and bones. 3-D printing was done by using the Form 3B+ device. Results: The thickness of serial sections is crucial in anatomical printing and modeling. In anatomical prints and models from both CT images and MR images, the thickness of each of the serial sections must be 1 mm or less in order to show the anatomical formations in details. In our study, it was determined that the bone anatomical models produced from serial sections of 1 mm thickness were exactly compatible with real bone images. However, in the imaging of soft tissues of the central nervous system, it was noticed that the details of some anatomical structures could not be revealed even at 1 mm serial section thickness. For this reason, in 3-D anatomical printing and modeling, it is extremely important to decide on the section thickness by considering the details of the produced anatomical structure especially in soft tissues. CT and MR images with a section thickness of 1 mm or less should be used to produce the most accurate anatomical print. The use of section thicknesses greater than 1 mm affects the quality of the produced model. Conclusion: In anatomical printing and modeling of hard tissues such as bone, the use of CT images with 1 mm serial section thickness enables us to obtain very perfect anatomical 3-D models. However, it is important to decide on the ideal section thickness by evaluating the anatomical structure of the relevant region in soft tissue anatomical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The widespread use of 3-D printers has brought a new perspective to the field of anatomy. Although many different resins are used in anatomical printing and modeling, the most preferred materials are white, transparent, gray and elastic resins. The purposes of use of each of these resins are different from each other. The aim of this study; was to reveal the usage areas more specifically by testing the white resin and transparent resin known as hard resins on different tissues. Methods: The study was carried out on parts of the central nervous system and bones of the skull. Serial CT and MR sections taken from the head with a section thickness of 1 mm were converted into STL images by using the MIMICS Innovation Suite software. While STL images of bone structures are obtained from CT serial sections; STL images of the CNS were produced from MR serial sections. Anatomical prints and models of the obtained images in STL format were obtained with the Form 3B+ brand 3D printer. After the anatomical models produced were kept in isopropyl alcohol for 15 minutes, the supports on the anatomical models were removed. Following this process, UV curing was performed at 60 degrees for 15 minutes. Anatomical models obtained with two different resins were compared in the study. Results: All anatomical models produced with white and transparent resins are not flexible and have a rigid structure. It was determined that the transparent resin was superior in anatomical prints and models, the inner surface of which was desired to be revealed. White resin is more suitable for use in models where the outer surface is desired to be shown in more detail and to be colored and detailed. Both resins are suitable for coloring, but when the outer surface of the structure is wanted to be examined, it has been observed that a higher quality image is revealed when white resins are painted. Conclusion: 3-D anatomical printings and models have brought a new perspective in the visualization of educational materials in the field of anatomy. It is certain that these anatomical 3-D models increase the quality of education. When looking at the materials produced with a 3-D printer, when it is desired to observe the veins, cavities or pathological formations in the structure; it is appropriate to use transparent resins because of the advantage that the interior is suitable for painting. If the outer surface of the anatomical structure is to be emphasized and other important structures on its outer surface are desired to be colored, the use of white resin will be more appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: 3-D anatomical models have brought a new perspective to anatomy education. Thanks to 3-D models, it is possible to model many regions that cannot be understood in anatomical plastic models. By working on serial sections; it makes great contribution to student education as a good alternative to anatomy plastic models. The aim of the study was to make the models more interesting & understandable; colouring of the 3-D printed models were done in order to reinforce the theoretical education of anatomy. Methods: STL images were obtained from radiological anatomical serial sections using software such as MIMICS Innovation Suit, Slicer 3D, Inobitec Dicom Viewer, Synopsys Simpleware. By the help of three-dimensional printers, models of anatomical formations in the cranium bones and central nervous system were produced. After production, the products were washed by using isopropyl alcohol and then ended by curing. By painting the produced 3-D models, anatomical structures that cannot be fully understood in cadavers and cannot be displayed in anatomy models are presented to student education with a rich visuality. Results: As a result of many paint experiments on anatomical prints and models, it was observed that acrylic paints remained on the material and gave the best results. In order for 3-D printing and models to contribute more to education and to be understandable, dyeing was carried out by keeping the color scale wide in the study. One of the most important advantages of acrylic paints is that, after purchasing a few basic colors, these colors can be mixed with each other in different ratios to obtain many color options. This method provides a great economic advantage to the production of 3-D materials and increases the visual richness presented to the student. Conclusion: It is an indisputable fact that 3-D printing and models make great contributions to anatomy education. Coloring these models by painting makes the subjects that are more difficult to understand in theoretical education easy to understand and memorize. Acrylic paints should be preferred for coloring 3D printed models due to their advantages compared to other paints. It is certain that prints and models painted with acrylic paints are needed in practical training so that students can better grasp the subjects that are difficult to understand and imagine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]