3D Printing an Explodable Dog Skull for Veterinary Education

William C. Hooker , Ruihan R. Liu, Alexis M. Slack , Emma R. Schachner , William G. Ryerson and Brandon P. Hedrick

Abstract

Veterinary education often relies on cadaveric specimens, but there is increasing demand for alternatives due to limited resources and ethical considerations. To address this, we developed a 3D printed ‘explodable’ model of a dog cranium with detachable, magnetized cranial components      for teaching anatomy to students. This model was generated from a computed tomographic scan of a juvenile dog cranium for which cranial sutures were still partially open and segmented such that major cranial bones were isolated. All bones are printed at actual size and retain openings for cranial nerves and major vessels. This interactive model enhances anatomical education by supplying a hands-on tool that can be used either in the classroom setting or for independent learning and can be incorporated at the high school, college, or veterinary school level. It is currently being integrated into the first-year anatomy foundation course at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The model can be printed using any hobbyist or specialist 3D printer and we outline assembly instructions on how to attach magnets at prefabricated attachment points.      Using both digital and 3D printed resources, we hope to help to address current shortages of anatomical resources and      also      inspire future generations of practicing veterinarians by making anatomy more accessible and engaging.
  

Canis lupus familiaris CUHL 9 View specimen

	M3#1858 PLYs of the segmented cranial bones with pre-fabricated magnetic casings and shelves for assembly following 3D printing Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1858   state:in_press	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1859 PLYs of the segmented cranial bones of the "BOTTOM" cranial component. Downloadable for additional learning opportunities for students Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1859   state:in_press	Download 3D surface file

3D models related to the publication:Skull and Inner Ear Morphometrics in Sheep and Goats: Species and Breed Differentiation with Bioarchaeological Applications

Adeline Hemelsdaël , Renaud Lebrun , Claude Guintard, Sergio Jiménez-Manchón , Cyprien Mureau , Marine Jeanjean , Agathe Guignet and Allowen Evin

This contribution contains the 3D models described and figured in the following publication:Skull and Inner Ear Morphometrics in Sheep and Goats: Species and Breed Differentiation with Bioarchaeological Applications (Hemelsdael et al. submitted). The models include the external surface of a complete skull and inner ear of both a sheep (Ovis aries) and a goat (Capra hircus), generated from micro-CT scans. In the associated paper, we used 3D geometric morphometric data to assess inter and intra (i.e. between breeds) discrimination based on complete skulls, skull fragments and the semi-circular canals of the inner ear. 

Capra hircus Amp_1 View specimen

	M3#1806 Skull of the goat Amp_1 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1806   state:in_press	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1807 Inner ear of the goat Amp_1 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1807   state:in_press	Download 3D surface file

Ovis aries UM_RR_2331 View specimen

	M3#1808 Skull of the sheep UM_RR_2331 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1808   state:in_press	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1809 Inner ear of the sheep UM_RR_2331 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1809   state:in_press	Download 3D surface file

3D surface model related to the publication: An Unusual new species of Burmesescorpiops Lourenco 2016 from Cretaceous Burmese amber (Scorpiones: Palaeoeuscorpiidae: Archaeoscorpiopinae)

Zaw Dan , Ko Zawgyi and Wilson Lourenço

In this contribution a third new species of the rare genus Burmesescorpiops Lourenço, 2016 is described. The discovery of this new element belonging to the family Palaeoeuscorpiidae Lourenço, 2003 and to the subfamily Archaeoscorpiopinae Lourenço, 2015 brings further elements to support the validity of the genus Burmesescorpiops. This generic group remains however, poorly speciose. This is the latest discovery of Burmesescorpiops wunpawng, the name is derived from the Kachin Hilltribe peoples who are indigenous to the area. The data provided here is a 3D surface. 

Burmesescorpiops wunpawng ps-gyi-01-25 View specimen

M3#1846 3d Surface Volume Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1846   state:in_press

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3D models related to the publication: Révision des données sédimentologiques et biostratigraphiques des gisements à vertébrés des sables de l’Orléanais, à Beaugency, Tavers et Le Bardon (Miocène Moyen ; Loiret, France)

Adrien de Perthuis , Réjanne Le Bivic , Maxime Denis, Bastien Mennecart and Cyril Gagnaison

The present 3D Dataset contains the 3D models produced in the frame of the article Perthuis, A. de, Mennecart, B., Barrier, P., Chenot, É., Falconnet, J., Gagnaison, J.-C., Georgalis, G. L., Gilbert, C., Guevel, B., Langevin, D., Lapparent de Broin, F. de, Lemierre, A., Maubert, F., Ossó, À., Potel, S., Thivaiou, D., Tissier, J., Toullec, R., Xerri, S., Gagnaison, C. 2025. Révision des données sédimentologiques et biostratigraphiques des gisements à vertébrés des sables de l’Orléanais, à Beaugency, Tavers et Le Bardon (Miocène Moyen ; Loiret, France). Geodiversitas 47 (12): 2-76. https://doi.org/10.5252/geodiversitas2025v47a12  

Bunolistriodon lockharti ULB-TAV-21 View specimen

M3#1837 Left upper M3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1837   state:in_press

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Megamphicyon giganteus ULB-TAV-13 View specimen

M3#1531 Left first lower molar Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1531   state:in_press

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Hispanotherium matritense ULB-TAV-17 View specimen

M3#1532 Left first lower molar Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1532   state:in_press

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Plesiaceratherium lumiarense ULB-TAV-18 View specimen

M3#1533 Left third upper molar Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1533   state:in_press

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Chelydropsis aff. sansaniensis ULB-TAV-23 View specimen

M3#1535 Cast of a skull Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1535   state:in_press

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Ronzotherium romani ULB-TAV-4 View specimen

M3#1556 Right fourth upper premolar Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1556   state:in_press

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Prodeinotherium bavaricum ULB-TAV-24 View specimen

M3#1557 left hemimandibule Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1557   state:in_press

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3D models related to the publication: Euclastidae n. fam. (Chelonioidea) et première mention d’Euclastes Cope, 1867 dans le Paléocène du bassin de Paris (France)

Hugo Marek , Réjanne Le Bivic , Cyril Gagnaison , France de Lapparent de Broin and Maxime Denis

The 3D dataset presented in this article provides the 3D models of two Chelonioidea turtles dentaries from the Paleocene of France described in: Lapparent de Broin F. de, Marek H., Barrier P. & Gagnaison C. 2025. — Euclastidae n. fam. (Chelonioidea) et première mention d’Euclastes Cope, 1867 dans le Paléocène du bassin de Paris (France). Geodiversitas 47 (10): 409-464. https://doi.org/10.5252/geodiversitas2025v47a10. 

Euclastes wielandi ULB-04A21-10 View specimen

M3#1791 Euclastes wielandi Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1791   state:published

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Euclastes wielandi MNHN.F.BPT52 View specimen

M3#1709 Euclastes wielandi (cast) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1709   state:published

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Euclastes wielandi ULB-04A21-11 View specimen

M3#1792 Euclastes montenati nov. sp. Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1792   state:published

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Euclastes wielandi MNHN.F.BPT53 View specimen

M3#1711 Euclastes montenati (cast) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1711   state:published

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3D models related to the publication: New insights into the diversity of strepsirrhine primates from the late early – early middle Eocene of North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia)

Laurent Marivaux , Anne-Lise Charruault and Rodolphe Tabuce

This contribution contains the three-dimensional digital models of the dental fossil material of strepsirrhine primates (Azibiidae and ?Djebelemuridae) from the late early to early middle Eocene of the Gour Lazib Complex in western Algeria and of Djebel Chambi in central-western Tunisia. These fossils were described, figured and discussed in the following publication: Marivaux et al. (2025), New insights into the diversity of strepsirrhine primates from the late early – early middle Eocene of North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia). Journal of Human Evolution, 103729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2025.103729  
  

Algeripithecus minimissimus ONM-CBI-1-38 View specimen

M3#1715 Isolated right P3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1715   state:published

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Algeripithecus minimissimus ONM-CBI-1-37 View specimen

M3#1716 Isolated right P4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1716   state:published

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Algeripithecus minimissimus ONM-CBI-1-1206 View specimen

M3#1717 Isolated right p4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1717   state:published

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Algeripithecus minimissimus ONM-CBI-1-1207 View specimen

M3#1718 Isolated right p4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1718   state:published

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Algeripithecus minimissimus ONM-CBI-1-1205 View specimen

M3#1719 Fragment of right mandible bearing m1-3 (Holotype) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1719   state:published

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Algeripithecus minimissimus ONM-CBI-1-1209 View specimen

M3#1720 Isolated left m2 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1720   state:published

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Algeripithecus minimissimus ONM-CBI-1-1208 View specimen

M3#1721 Isolated right m2 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1721   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-HGL50-294 View specimen

M3#1722 Left DP4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1722   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-HGL50-297 View specimen

M3#1723 Isolated right P2 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1723   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-HGL50-298 View specimen

M3#1724 Isolated right P3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1724   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-HGL50-299 View specimen

M3#1725 Isolated right P4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1725   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-HGL50-303 View specimen

M3#1726 Isolated left P4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1726   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-GZC-7 View specimen

M3#1727 Isolated left M1 (lingually broken) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1727   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-GZC-1 View specimen

M3#1728 Isolated left M2 (Holotype) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1728   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-HGL50-319 View specimen

M3#1729 Isolated left M3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1729   state:published

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Algeripithecus minutus UM-HGL50-397 View specimen

M3#1730 Fragment of left mandible bearing p3-m3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1730   state:published

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Azibius magnus UM-HGL50-258 View specimen

M3#1731 Isolated right P3 or P4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1731   state:published

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Azibius magnus UM-HGL50-260 View specimen

M3#1732 Isolated right M2 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1732   state:published

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Azibius magnus UM-HGL50-261 View specimen

M3#1733 Isolated left M3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1733   state:published

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Azibius magnus UM-HGL50-263 View specimen

M3#1734 Isolated left p3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1734   state:published

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Azibius magnus UM-HGL50-264 View specimen

M3#1735 Isolated right m1 (Holotype) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1735   state:published

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Azibius magnus UM-HGL50-265 View specimen

M3#1736 Isolated right m1 (lingually broken) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1736   state:published

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Azibius magnus UM-HGL50-266 View specimen

M3#1738 Isolated right m2 (corroded) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1738   state:published

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Azibius trerki UM-HGL50-166 View specimen

M3#1739 Isolated right DP4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1739   state:published

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Azibius trerki UM-HGL50-295 View specimen

M3#1740 Isolated left DP4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1740   state:published

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Azibius trerki UM-HGL51-46 View specimen

	M3#1741 Fragment of right maxillary bearing P3-4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1741   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1742 Fragment of right maxillary bearing M3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1742   state:published	Download 3D surface file

Azibius trerki UM-GZC-41 View specimen

M3#1743 Isolated left P4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1743   state:published

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Azibius trerki UM-HGL50-396 View specimen

M3#1744 Boneless fragment of a left maxillary bearing M1-2 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1744   state:published

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Azibius trerki UM-HGL50-270 View specimen

M3#1745 Fragment (talonid) of an isolated right dp4 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1745   state:published

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Azibius trerki UM-HGL50-248 View specimen

M3#1746 Isolated left m1 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1746   state:published

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Azibius trerki UM-HGL50-256 View specimen

M3#1753 Fragment of left mandible bearing p4-m3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1753   state:published

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Lazibadapis anchomomyinopsis UM-HGL50-326 View specimen

M3#1747 Isolated right M1 (buccally broken) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1747   state:published

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Lazibadapis anchomomyinopsis UM-HGL50-169 View specimen

M3#1748 Isolated right M2 (corroded) Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1748   state:published

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Lazibadapis anchomomyinopsis UM-HGL50-170 View specimen

M3#1749 Isolated right M2 or M3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1749   state:published

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Lazibadapis anchomomyinopsis UM-HGL50-325 View specimen

	M3#1750 Boneless fragment of left mandible preserving m2-3 (Holotype) -> m2 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1750   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1751 Boneless fragment of left mandible preserving m2-3 (Holotype) -> m3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1751   state:published	Download 3D surface file

Lazibadapis anchomomyinopsis UM-HGL50-290 View specimen

M3#1752 Isolated left m3 Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1752   state:published

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3D models related to the publication: New traversodontid cynodont from the Late Triassic Chañares Formation

Leandro C. Gaetano , Fernando Abdala, Adriana Mancuso and Nahuel Vega

This contribution contains the 3D models described and figured in the following publication: Gaetano, L. C., Abdala, F., Mancuso, C, and Vega N.2025. New traversodontid cynodont from the Late Triassic Chañares Formation. Publicación Electrónica de la Asociación Paleontológica Argentina. 

Pontognathus ignotus PULR-V 287 View specimen

M3#1647 partial snout preserving the lateralmost incisor, the base of the canine, and several postcanines Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1647   state:published

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Massetognathus pascuali PULR-V 289 View specimen

M3#1646 partial lower jaw Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1646   state:published

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3D models related to the publication: Mummified Paleogene Spirostreptida and Julida (Arthropoda, Diplopoda) from southern France
 

Jules Charrondière , Mickael Lheritier , Bastien Mennecart , Dmitry Kopylov , Jérôme Adrien , Georg Schulz , Vincent Perrier and Gilles Escarguel

The present 3D Dataset contains the 3D models analyzed in the publication: Mummified Paleogene Spirostreptida and Julida (Arthropoda, Diplopoda) from southern France. Papers in Paleontology. 

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1935 View specimen

	M3#1457 Paralectotype, 13 diplosegments with the proximal part of the legs Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1457   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1657 CT data of NMB F1935. Images were reduced by a binning of factor 2. Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1657   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1936 View specimen

	M3#1458 Lectotype, head with the ten following segments Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1458   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1658 CT data of NMB F1936. Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1658   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1937 View specimen

	M3#1459 Paralectotype, seven segments Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1459   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1659 CT data of NMB F1937 Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1659   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1938 View specimen

	M3#1460 Paralectotype, ten segments and the telson Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1460   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1660 CT data of NMB F1938 Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1660   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1987 View specimen

	M3#1461 Nine segments and the telson Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1461   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1661 CT data of NMB F1987 Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1661   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1988 View specimen

	M3#1462 Two parts, first part=telson and four segments, second part=five segments Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1462   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1662 CT data of NMB F1988 Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1662   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1989 View specimen

	M3#1463 Telson with 13 segments and the digestive tract Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1463   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1663 CT data of NMB F1989 Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1663   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F1990 View specimen

	M3#1464 Eight segments and the telson Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1464   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1664 CT data of NMB F1990 Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1664   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta NMB F3743 View specimen

	M3#1465 Seven segments and legs Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1465   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1665 CT data of NMB F3743. Images were reduced by a binning of factor 2. Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1665   state:published	Download CT data

Protosilvestria sculpta UM-SND-1704 View specimen

	M3#1468 Head and seven segments Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1468   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1666 CT data of UM-SND-1704. Images were reduced by a binning of factor 2. Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1666   state:published	Download CT data

Indet Indet UM-ROQ1-500 View specimen

	M3#1467 Head and ten segments Type: "3D_surfaces" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1467   state:published	Download 3D surface file
	M3#1667 CT data of UM-ROQ1-500. Images were reduced by a binning of factor 2. Type: "3D_CT" doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1667   state:published	Download CT data