The pharynx in three dimensions: a digital anatomical model derived from radiology, peer-reviewed literature, and medical illustration

Development of an anatomically accurate 3-dimensional (3D) digital model of the human nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx derived from published literature and radiographic imaging. Muscles of the pharynx, including the palatopharyngeus, superior, middle, and inferior constrictor, salpingopharyngeus and stylopharyngeus were manually segmented from a head and neck CT angiogram of a healthy 29-year-old female. Data derived from published anatomical studies were compiled to provide additional anatomical detail to each muscle. The eustachian tube and supporting structures, adjacent supporting structures, and adjacent major neurovasculature were also segmented. These anatomical details were then incorporated into the model by a 3D medical illustrator. A total of 6 muscles were segmented from CT angiography data as were the hyoid bone, thyroid and cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, skull base, course of the eustachian tube, and nearby major arteries and veins. Meshes were further refined in digital 3D space based on data from peer-reviewed anatomical studies. The left trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, and hypoglossal nerves were incorporated into the model to highlight important anatomical relationships relevant for surgery. Finally, the model was uploaded to a publicly available 3D repository, which can be accessed here (https://shorturl.at/qJO16). The pharynx is a complex 3D structure that plays a critical role in swallowing, speaking, and airway protection. By combining radiographic data with published anatomical descriptions, and through the collaboration between neuroradiology, head and neck surgery, and medical illustration, we developed an anatomically accurate, detailed 3D model of the pharynx for education and training purposes.