A development model of the MARTYN training skull made by the Royal College of Surgeons, London, 2013, made of polyurethane resin, transparent polyester resin, yellow polyester resin, silicon rubber, and latex

The precise structure, texture and weight of an adult human head is re-created in the Modelled Anatomical Replica for Training Young Neurosurgeons (MARTYN). Cutting into a real human head for the first time is a daunting experience for a surgeon, so neurosurgeon David Baxter developed MARTYN with then neurosurgical trainee Claudia Craven and Martyn Cooke, Head of Conservation at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The model takes its name from Martyn, who experimented with varying types of plastics and waxes until he found the most realistic combinations.

This example is made for display purposes as the materials required for trainees to practice on would deteriorate rapidly. MARTYN skulls are customisable to allow for surgeons to practice different procedures and are available for those training in paediatric neurosurgery. Surgeons use many different training tools, but in recent years realistic, reusable, and portable models have become more commonplace. They allow surgeons to practice outside of the operating theatre and allowing them to increase their skills before treating their patients.