Review: Merinden Painted Human Skull Model

Overview

This life-sized human skull model from Merinden is great for those who want to learn the anatomy of the skull! It is an anatomically correct replica of the human skull which helps learners identify and remember the cranial and facial bones. It is sturdy and the learner can move the mandible (jaw) up and down with the spring attached to the top of the maxilla bone. The top of the skull also comes apart and is easily put back together. 

Pros

Skull Separates:

The top of the skull easily separates, allowing the learner to see how the cranial bones are broken up inside the skull. It also helps the learner get a good idea of how the brain is situated and how the medulla oblongata (lowest part of the brainstem) passes through the foramen magnum (opening in the occipital bone). 

Comes With a Guide:

The model comes with a guide that labels fourteen parts of the skull. While not all parts are accounted for, this helps the learner understand where the bones of the skull are located and what they are called. Those who are already familiar with the skull and know the parts do not need this guide, however, it is good for those who are just beginning to learn.

Detailed:

This skull model is extremely detailed! The sutures (immovable joints) are clearly defined on the skull. In addition to the sutures, the foramen are also visible. Foramen, which are essentially holes in the bone, are accurately depicted in this model. While the suture and foramen names are not listed on the guide, the skull model can still help teach learners about them. 

Cons

Paint:

The painting on the model is good, however, in some spots, it is slightly messy. The paint of one bone sometimes runs over the suture lines and into another bone. Also, when the skull is opened, you can see that some of the paint of the frontal and parietal bones leaked onto where the two parts of the skull come together. Another flaw with the painting is that some colors used are similar. The paint color on the zygomatic and frontal bones is extremely close. The paint color on the lacrimal and sphenoid bones as well looks identical. This can make it slightly confusing for the learner to decipher which part of the skull is which. 

Parts Should Come Apart:

While the mandible moves and the top part of the skull comes off, it would be more helpful if the skull came apart entirely. If all the different bones of the skull could come apart, learners would be able to put it back together and get a better sense of how the skull is formed. This would make the experience more interactive and learners would be more likely to remember the location of the different bones. 

Final Thoughts

While this model is not perfect, it allows learners to get a good idea of the anatomy of the skull. If you are looking for an accurate painted model of the human skull, this model is a great choice. While it definitely does lack in some aspects, there is no doubt that it makes up in others. The moveability of the mandible shows how the jaw moves in order to eat or talk, and the opening of the skull shows how the bones are oriented inside the skull. It is also incredibly detailed and comes with a good guide. Overall, this model is a great tool to use to learn about the bones of the skull!