Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the spatial configuration of the mastoid segment of facial nerve adopting the three dimensional (3D) reconstruction technique.　Methods　Five pairs of rabbit facial nerve and temporal bone were extracted and embedded in paraffin. After special trichrome stain, the serial sections were performed, observed and photoed under the microscope. And then, the images were imported to the Mimics software to reconstruct the 3D model to show the spatial configuration of facial nerve bundles.　Results　The facial nerve fibers assembled to fascicles without perineurium, and intertwined with each other to form a complex network structure.　Conclusions　The computer aided 3D reconstruction can show the spatial structure of facial nerve bundles and provide reference for the microanatomy.

Key words: Rabbit;　Facial nerve;　Nerve fiber;　Spatial configuration