The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It is the center of the nervous system which also consists of the spinal cord. In simple terms, it is a very important organ that is responsible for literally all the activities humans perform. From solving mathematics, to playing sports, it even controls the intricated functions of other internal organs.
Of course, such an important organ is heavily protected by the skull. That is why we cannot see it even if we look very closely into a mirror. With the following 3D models however, we are able to get a good sense of that amazing organ in our heads that powers our every move. These models can be downloaded and 3D printed for educational or decorative purposes.
1. Human brain 3D model with separate lobes
This 3D model was originally created by a gentleman working as a radiologist at a university hospital. The model was created from an MRI scan of his brain and converted into an STL file using the FSL library.
FSL is a computer software for analyzing and rendering FMRI, MRI and DTI brain imaging data. The model contains the left hemisphere, right hemisphere, Cerebellum, the Medulla—all devised in a right and left hemisphere as is with a normal human brain.
Every decision making, either independently or as reactions to stimuli from the sense organs are processed by the brain. It is a large organ that consists of different parts which have different functions. The brain contains close to 100 billion neurons, nerve cells that transmits signals while the brain carryout its functions.
This project is by Snekooei. It can be found on cults3D: Get it here
2. Full scale human brain model
This model is a perfect representation of what the brain looks like. The model is an exact replica of the designer’s brain as extracted from an MRI scan. The parts of the brain can be printed independently and joined together using magnets.
The brain is divided into two cerebral hemispheres which are visible in the 3D model. This design can help understand the structure of the brain and location of the various parts of the brain. It will serve as an invaluable learning tool for a medical student or just a curious person.
Note that some parts of the design are divided and needs to be glued together or held together using small magnets. That won’t be much of a problem I think.
This project is by CeltecOne. It can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
3. MRI brain scan to 3D model
If you’re a super teacher of 8th graders who is concerned about passing knowledge on to the kids in a way that they will understand and remember for the rest of their lives or just a medical student, this model, produced from an MRI scan will help understand the brain.
MRI is a powerful technology that has been very important to the advancement in medical research. It is used to show the anatomy of the human body. It helps identify the positions of organs and how they work. It has also helped in diagnosis and keeping track of treatment of certain ailments.
An alternative to MRI is CT (CAT scan). Even though they are similar, MRI is preferred due to some reasons which we may not be interesting for those who not medical practitioners. One of those reasons is that the MRI scan gives better visualizations of the brain.
The brain model from an MRI image can be used to teach medical students as well as satisfy the curiosity of an enthusiast. With details of the various parts of the brain carefully modeled from an MRI scan, one can easily identify all the parts of the brain and easily attribute their functions.
This 3D model was created by AndrewSink and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
4. Real brain 3D model from MRI file
This model of the brain was also made from an MRI image. The scan that was modeled are from research conducted on anatomical imaging on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This is one of the many uses of MRI which involves measuring the activities of the brain as a function of blood flow.
Interestingly, this brain model is of the MRI scan of the designer’s brain which he used for research. 3D printing this model is going to require some support.
This 3D model was created by Mluongo91 and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
5. Human brain 3D model
The brain itself is a beautiful organ even though it is very complex. Many times, we have seen pictures of the brain in science textbooks, but you now have a chance to interact with the different parts of the brain just right after printing the model.
The brain regulates our breathing and temperature among many other functions of this powerful organ. This brain model can be downloaded from the link below and the printed brain can be used to understand the parts of the brain and their functions.
This 3D model was created by Benkrasnow and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
6. Brain puzzle 3D model
Solving puzzles helps to exercise the brain and at the same time test one’s knowledge. In fact, solving puzzles is a hobby for many people. This puzzle is not a regular picture arrangement, but a puzzle from the 3D model of the brain itself.
The parts of the brain are modeled separately as parts of the puzzles. To solve this special puzzle, one must have the knowledge of the anatomy of the brain. This is very useful for educational purpose and what a fun way to learn.
The parts of the brain modeled in this puzzle includes: Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe, brain stem, cerebellum, sensory cortex, motor cortex, Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area.
They can be printed in different colors to make it more fun especially for children. Using this puzzle will familiarize them with the parts of the brain and their functions. After printing, arrange the pieces of the brain together and look out for any missing part so that they can be printed. You can also change the size of the model to anything suitable.
This 3D model was created by Laweez and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
7. Right cerebrum model
This model is of the right cerebrum. It shows the inner area of the cerebrum where the white matter is located and other essential parts of the brain. This model is very detailed making it ideal for use in advanced learning to identify the rather minor parts of the brain that are not easily visible in an overall model.
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, about 80 percent of the brain’s total weight. It is the front upper part of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres, the right and the left.
Each of these hemispheres has an outer layer of grey matter made up of neurons and glial cells. Beneath them is the white matter made up of axons and dendrites. Axons carries outgoing information, while dendrites caries incoming information to the neurons. If one of the hemispheres is removed, the white matter is exposed.
This 3D model was created by airforce and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
8. Human brain diagram model
The intricacy of the human brain is not a debatable thing obviously. That’s why it has gained lots of attention even from enthusiasts who are not medical professionals. This model is very interesting in that it presents the brain in a 3D diagram that can be labeled.
It is not modeled from an MRI scan. It was instead drafted from 2D diagrams of the brain. You can change the colors to suit your taste as well as the size.
This 3D model was created by Venturon and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
9. Brain model of young male
This is a 3D model of the brain of a young man developed from an MRI scan. If you are wondering what the brain of a young person looks like, this 3D model will satisfy this curiosity.
The MRI scan is of a 16-year-old boy. Basically, the parts of the brain and their functions are the same in all humans. The design is a detailed one and can be used for learning about the human brain.
The 3D model was created by keycaps and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
10. Human brain 3D model
This 3D model of the brain is from an MRI scan. It is quite fascinating to print an object that is an exact replica of a human internal organ. In this model, the lobes of the cerebral cortex, the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes are very visible and can be easily identified.
The cerebrum and other parts of the brains too can be easily seen. It is also very customizable as you can vary the size and add colors to it if you wish.
This 3D model was created by ThreeD_Designer and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
BONUS: Led lit brain 3D model
This is an innovative way to have a useful brain apart from the one between your ears. The model is a replica of the human brain that serves as a light source in a room.
The model should be printed with a transparent material such as a transparent PETG so that light can travel through it. The model comprises of the support, base, holder for batteries and an assembly to fit in the switch to power it on and off.
It may take a while to print this model so be prepared to wait longer than usual. You may also want to print the base first and then the two hemispheres. Alternatively, it can be printed in any arrangement that you find suitable. After printing, you can arrange it and add some basic electrical parts like a bulb and a control switch.
This project was created by Tonda and can be found on Thingiverse: Get it here
