Complete skull STL
One STL file containing the complete three-dimensional skull model for visualization, anatomical study, and 3D printing.
Available after publication
Open scientific resource
3D craniofacial anatomical models
Digital models derived from micro-computed tomography, developed to expand access to high-resolution anatomical resources for education and research.
Anatomy, technology, and open science
A documented and reusable anatomical resource
This page will provide 15 primary 3D models in STL format: one complete skull model and 14 individual bone models, together with the scientific documentation related to their development and dimensional validation. The models were derived from micro-computed tomography of a dry human skull specimen.
Future release
Validation article under editorial review
The article Development and dimensional validation of a high-resolution 3D-printed craniofacial anatomical model derived from micro-computed tomography is currently under editorial review. Once the article has been published, the models, documentation, and reproducibility files will be made available on this page.
What will be made available
The resources will be organized to support identification, citation, reuse, and reproduction of the associated analyses.
Individual bone models
A collection of 14 individual STL models: one representative of each paired bone type and all unpaired bones of the skull.
Available after publicationDocumentation and reproducibility
Measurement data, surface-analysis files, R code, analytical outputs, and instructions for reproducing the analyses.
Available after publicationResource structure
Browse the groups of files planned for public release following publication of the article.
Anatomical models
Complete skull model and individually segmented craniofacial bone models.
Complete skull model
A complete three-dimensional representation derived from segmentation of the micro-computed tomography scan.
Download not yet availableIndividual craniofacial bone models
The collection will represent every bone type of the neurocranium and viscerocranium in 14 individual files.
Neurocranium – 6 bone types
Frontal bone
Parietal bone*
Temporal bone*
Occipital bone
Sphenoid bone
Ethmoid bone
Viscerocranium – 8 bone types
Maxilla*
Zygomatic bone*
Nasal bone*
Lacrimal bone*
Palatine bone*
Inferior nasal concha*
Vomer
Mandible
* One representative will be provided for each paired bone type. All unpaired bones will be included.
Scientific documentation
Article, guidance on use, and information about the models.
Article on model development and dimensional validation
Once published, the article will be linked from this page, connecting the files to their corresponding validation evidence.
Article not yet availableREADME and dataset documentation
Description of the file organization, versions, production methods, validation scope, and citation instructions.
Documentation not yet available
Reproducibility files
Data, code, analytical outputs, and computational records.
Materials supporting the analyses
The package will be organized to enable inspection of the data and reproduction of the analytical procedures described in the article.
- Spreadsheets containing the anatomical measurement data;
- CSV files containing the bidirectional surface-distance data;
- Complete R script used to perform the analyses;
- Software and package version information;
- Analytical outputs, figures, and supporting files;
- README describing the file structure and instructions for reproducing the analyses.
Identification and traceability
Citable models linked to validation evidence
After release, each model will be accompanied by a persistent identifier, version information, and citation guidance, allowing users to identify exactly which file was used in education or research.
- A model-specific DOI for each anatomical model;
- Version identification and version control;
- Recommended citation and attribution;
- Linkage to the article and validation documentation.
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
The STL models are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license ( CC BY 4.0). Sharing, reproduction, and adaptation, including commercial reuse, are permitted with appropriate attribution, a link to the license, and an indication of any modifications. Please cite the DOI and version of the model used and the associated validation article. Reuse must not imply endorsement by the original authors or participating institutions.
How to cite this collection:
Canellas, J.V.S. et al. Micro-CT-derived human skull and segmented
craniofacial bones: an STL model collection. Version 1.0. Virtual
Human Anatomy Laboratory of the University of Brasília.
https://doi.org/10.37766/unb.craniofacial.001 (2026).
The reported dimensional validation applies to the model versions and manufacturing workflow evaluated in the study. It does not establish the accuracy of modified models or copies produced using different manufacturing conditions. Educational effectiveness and suitability for clinical applications or specific surgical training tasks have not been established.
Scope of validation and use
The models were derived from a single dry human skull scanned by micro-computed tomography at an isotropic voxel size of 80 µm. Validation included 25 anatomical distances distributed across six bones, whereas three-dimensional surface analysis was performed specifically on the printed and rescanned mandible. Modified meshes, changes in scale, or different manufacturing workflows do not automatically inherit this validation. These resources are intended for education and research, not for patient diagnosis or clinical planning. Educational effectiveness and suitability for surgical training require specific evaluation.
Open science with rigor and traceability
The release of the models and associated data will expand access to a shared anatomical resource that is documented, traceable, and reusable across institutions.