Anatomy of the face and neck (CT) - interactive atlas of human anatomy using cross-sectional imaging

Anatomy of the face and neck (CT) - interactive atlas of human anatomy using cross-sectional imaging

Anatomy of the face and neck (CT) - interactive atlas of human anatomy using cross-sectional imaging

  • Antoine MICHEAU, MD , Denis HOA, MD
    • Antoine MICHEAU, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
    • Denis HOA, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
  • Publication date: Aug 8, 2008 | Last update: Feb 27, 2026
  • https://doi.org/10.37019/e-anatomy/170 ISSN 2534-5079

This head and neck anatomy atlas is an educational tool for studying the normal anatomy of the face based on a contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography imaging (axial and coronal planes). Interactive labeled images allow a comprehensive study of the anatomical structures.

 

Cross-sectional anatomy: CT of the head and neck

A coronal and axial contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography imaging of the head and neck was performed on a healthy subject.
DICOM images archived in the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communicating System) were processed and exported as JPEG images. Adobe Animate and Adobe Photoshop allowed us to develop this functional and user-friendly anatomy atlas software to explore the head and neck and the skull base.

Anatomical structures were labeled according to the new Terminologia Anatomica.

 

Anatomy of the maxillar and mandibular bone with teeth numbered (international tooth numbers)
Anatomy of the maxillar and mandibular bone with teeth numbered

 

Anatomy of the head and neck: how to view the anatomical labels

This atlas is a comprehensive and affordable learning tool for residents and medical students and especially for radiologists and surgeons.
It provides images in the axial and coronal planes so that the user can study and learn anatomy interactively. The images are labeled, providing a comprehensive teaching resource. Evaluation of the user's progress is possible with the quiz mode.

 

deep face spaces anatomy based on mdct : temporal space, parotid space, prevertebral space, retropharyngeal space, masticator space.
deep face spaces anatomy based on mdct : temporal space, parotid space, prevertebral space, retropharyngeal space, masticator space.

 

The horizontal menu allows access to the groups of anatomical structures:

  • Bones: ethmoidal, frontal, lacrimal, palatine, parietal, temporal and zygomatic bones, mandible, maxilla, sphenoid, vomer.
  • Teeth
  • Arteries
  • Veins
  • Muscles
  • Nerves
  • Foramen
  • Cavities
  • Mucosa/glands
  • Lymph nodes regions

As the cursor is moved over a particular anatomical area, that area is highlighted and its labels displayed: this tool was chosen to show deep face spaces and cavities:

  • Pharyngeal mucosal space
  • Oral cavity
  • Masticator space
  • Parotid space
  • Carotid space
  • Retropharyngeal space
  • Perivertebral space
  • Visceral space
  • Posterior cervical space
  • Sublingual space
  • Submandibular fossa
  • Paravertebral space
  • Prevertebral space
  • Retropharyngeal space

 

The vertical menu on the left shows axial, coronal and sagittal reference images of the face, with anatomical graphics based on a three dimensional (3D) model.

Anatomy of the maxillar and mandibular bone with teeth numbered (international tooth numbers)
Anatomy of the maxillar and mandibular bone with teeth numbered
deep face spaces anatomy based on mdct : temporal space, parotid space, prevertebral space, retropharyngeal space, masticator space.
deep face spaces anatomy based on mdct : temporal space, parotid space, prevertebral space, retropharyngeal space, masticator space.

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