Anatomical model of the spine

Anatomical model of the spine, papier mâché, in two parts, labelled, by Dr. Auzoux, French, 1901.

Created from papier mâché, this anatomical model shows the internal structure of the human spine, including the spinal cord which, with the brain, makes up the central nervous system. The model was made by the factory of Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797-1880), a French physician and model maker who developed a successful business producing anatomical models for global export. The spine was probably used to teach students anatomy. Models can be used to emphasise and enlarge minute anatomical structures, making them easier to understand. Unlike human tissue, they do not need to be preserved and can be taken apart and reassembled many times over.