Dissection du cou : une pièce anatomique en cire de la collection Spitzner (no 23) des musées d'anatomie Delmas, Orfila et Rouvière : observation et reconstruction photographique tridimensionnelle

An anatomical model of the dissection of the human neck, supraclavicular and submandibular regions, was studied in order to determine its anatomical accuracy. The sample was made of brightly coloured wax and was of female appearance. Formally, it belonged to the collection (no 23) of a medical doctor: Spitzner (1813-1894). It was donated late in the 20th century to the Delmas, Orfila and Rouvière museums, 45, rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 6e, université Paris-Descartes (catalog no: 1222, SRA-1995). It measured 36 cm in width and 27 cm in height. With the camera, it was pictured on its main views and every 5-degree on 270° along its vertical axis in order to obtain a tri-dimensional, photographic reconstruction. The arterial and venous vessels were enhanced and the thyroid and submandibular glands as well. The musculo-osseous frames limited five main regions of dissection. Neither nerves nor lymphatics were represented. The author of this wax sample remains unknown (no signature). The aspect does not look like the samples of the Tramond or Auzoux's factories. The Spitzner collection was primarily an itinerant exhibition; however, it is of a highly anatomical quality. It is well known by the anatomical art world, especially abroad: its aesthetical features and facial characters make it very recognizable.