Comparative anatomy and physiology are disciplines related to structures and mechanisms in three-dimensional (3D) space. For the past centuries, scientific reports in these fields have relied on written descriptions and two-dimensional (2D) illustrations, but in recent years 3D virtual modelling has entered the scene. However, comprehending complex anatomical structures is hampered by reproduction on flat inherently 2D screens. One way to circumvent this problem is in the production of 3D-printed scale models. We have applied computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to produce digital models of animal anatomy well suited to be printed on low-cost 3D printers. In this communication, we report how to apply such technology in comparative anatomy and physiology to aid discovery, description, comprehension and communication, and we seek to inspire fellow researchers in these fields to embrace this emerging technology.
Ambystoma tigrinum_head
Interactive PDF model of Ambystoma tigrinum head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Ambystoma tigrinum_C2_1100%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Ambystoma tigrinum C2 (axis).
Bitis arietans_head
Interactive PDF model of Bitis arietans head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Bitis arietans_C2_950%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Bitis arietans C2 (axis).
Gadus morhua_head
Interactive PDF model of Gadus morhua head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Gadus morhua_C2_400%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Gadus morhua C2 (axis).
Galeorhinus galeus_head
Interactive PDF model of Galeorhinus galeus head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Galeorhinus galeus_C2_250%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Galeorhinus galeus C2 (axis).
Giraffa camelopardalis_head
Interactive PDF model of Giraffa camelopardalis head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Giraffa camelopardalis_C2_50%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Giraffa camelopardalis C2 (axis).
Giraffa camelopardalis_heart
Interactive PDF model of Giraffa camelopardalis heat. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Giraffa camelopardalis_heart_70%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Giraffa camelopardalis heart.
Loxodonta africana_heart
Interactive PDF model of Loxodonta africana heart. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Loxodonta africana_heart_35%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Loxodonta africana heart.
Melanosuchus niger_head
Interactive PDF model of Melanosuchus niger head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Melanosuchus niger_C2_150%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Melanosuchus niger C2 (axis).
Phoca vitulina_head
Interactive PDF model of Phoca vitulina head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Phoca vitulina_C2_150%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Phoca vitulina C2 (axis).
Phocoena phocoena_fulbody
Interactive PDF model of Phocoena phocoena full body. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Phocoena phocoena_brain_80%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Phocoena phocoena brain.
Phocoena phocoena_lungs_80%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Phocoena phocoena lungs.
Pogona sp._head
Interactive PDF model of Pogona sp. head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Pogona sp._C2_600%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Pogona sp. C2 (axis).
Protopterus annectens_head
Interactive PDF model of Protopterus annectens head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Protopterus annectens_C2_1192%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Protopterus annectens C2 (axis).
Rana temporaria_head
Interactive PDF model of Rana temporaria head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Rana temporaria_C2_1154%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Rana temporaria C2 (axis).
Rhinella marina_heart
Interactive PDF model of Rhinella marina heart. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Rhinella marina_conus_1000%
Ready to 3D print full colour WRL file of Rhinella marina conus arteriosus.
Rhinella marina_truncus_1000%
Ready to 3D print full colour WRL file of Rhinella marina truncus arteriosus.
Struthio camelus_head
Interactive PDF model of Struthio camelus head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Struthio camelus_C2_200%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Struthio camelus C2 (axis).
Talpa europaea_head
Interactive PDF model of Talpa europaea head. To activate the 3D feature click the model. Using the cursor it is now possible to rotate, zoom, pan the model and in the model tree all segments of the model can be turned on/off or made transparent.
Talpa europaea_C2_1000%
Ready to 3D print STL file of Talpa europaea C2 (axis).