The temporal bone microdissection of miniature pigs as a useful large animal model for otologic research

Abstract

Conclusion: Compared with traditional animal models, the miniature pig may be a better model for biomedical research because its morphology has many similarities with that of humans. Objective: To investigate the suitability of the miniature pig as an animal model for otological research as regards morphology. Methods: Microdissection of the temporal bone of 10 miniature pigs was performed and recorded on photographs. Results: The morphology and measurements of the external, middle, and inner ear, and the lateral recess of the miniature pigs were completed by microdissection. The temporal bone structures, including the external, middle, inner ear, and the lateral recess, were similar in the miniature pig and humans.

Keywords::

• External ear
• inner ear
• middle ear
• lateral recess
• morphology
• biomedical research

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program; #2012CB967900, 2011CBA01000) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC #81271082).

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.