Human Skull Model (CT Scan–Derived, Anatomically Accurate)
Human Skull Model (CT Scan–Derived, Anatomically Accurate)
This is a 3D printable human skull model derived directly from full, uncompressed CT scan data. To achieve printable anatomical accuracy, it is critical to use raw, uncompressed CT files—compressed scans do not contain sufficient data density to reconstruct a reliable 3D model.
After obtaining the original scan data, the skull was manually processed and refined to make it suitable for 3D printing while preserving anatomical realism.
Modeling Process
- Built from full-resolution CT scans (not compressed)
- Converted scan data into a 3D model
- Light smoothing applied in select areas to remove floating artifacts and non-manifold geometry
- All brain folds, wrinkles, and internal soft-tissue data were removed
- Final model contains bone-only geometry
The result is a clean, printable skull model that reflects the limits and fidelity of a mid-2000s Toshiba CT scanner, which still provides impressive anatomical detail.
Design Notes
- The skull is intentionally hollow
- Hollow regions represent either air spaces or bone marrow
- Sinus cavity is completely empty, as it should be anatomically
- Compatible with slicer tools that allow splitting models into parts
- If you slice along the sinus cavity, you can print the skull in two halves
- This preserves a fully open, anatomically correct sinus pocket
- Interior cavities make this model ideal for:
- Educational use
- Display
- Anatomical study
- Creative or novelty prints
Known Limitations (and a Fun One)
Due to the limitations of the original CT scan, the very top of the skull was not captured. This results in a large open section at the crown.
Rather than hiding it, I left it as-is.
It gives the model a unique look — kind of like a pumpkin-style skull — and serves as a visual reminder that this was reconstructed from real medical imaging data.
Print Recommendations
- Infill:
- Recommended 15% (more than sufficient for a display model)
- Material:
- PLA, PETG, ABS — anything works
- Supports:
- Optional, depending on how you orient it
- Scale:
- Prints well at full size or scaled down
This is a model, not a structural part, so feel free to experiment.
Upcoming Variant
I will be uploading an additional version shortly that is pre-sliced horizontally through the sinus cavity (not vertically).
This version allows you to:
- Peer directly into the sinus cavity from both halves
- See the full depth of the sinus anatomy
- Store jelly beans, dice, secrets, or whatever else you want inside
You can also embed small neodymium magnets (e.g., from Home Depot) to allow the two halves to snap closed cleanly.
Final Notes
If you work in medicine, you already know that anatomical skulls usually come in very boring colors.
The fun part about 3D printing this one is that you can make a medically accurate skull in absolutely ridiculous colors.
It’s a great conversation piece, educational tool, or just a very cool object to have on a shelf.
Happy printing ☠️🦴🛠️