Spinal Cord Anatomy for Visually Impaired Students: The Development of 3D-Printed Educational Models

Traditional neuroanatomy education heavily relies on visual perception, creating a significant barrier for visually impaired students. This report describes the development and initial application of tactile 3D-printed models designed to make spinal cord anatomy and neuronal morphology accessible. Using a workflow of digital reconstruction from classical anatomical references followed by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, we produced scaled-up, high-relief models of multipolar and bipolar neurons, spinal nerve formation, and distinct spinal cord segments. The models were printed with polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to enhance durability and tactile discrimination of delicate structures like nerve rootlets. A pilot evaluation with three blind students demonstrated that the models successfully translated abstract microscopic concepts into concrete, comprehensible objects, enabling the distinction of anatomical features that were previously indistinguishable in cadaveric specimens. Qualitative feedback provided insights into optimal scale, the effectiveness of high-relief modeling for spatial understanding, and the challenges of textural stimulation. Importantly, these tools also proved to be valuable cognitive aids for sighted learners, indicating their universal teaching potential. In summary, these reproducible 3D-printed models are a potential tool for inclusive education, offering an equitable and multisensory learning experience that benefits all students in grasping the complex three-dimensional organization of the human nervous system.