Rebecca Brewer, Vladimir Chereminskiy,

The major anatomical spaces of the head communicate through numerous foramina, fissures, canals, and other osseous pathways that permit the passage of neurovascular structures and provide potential routes for the spread of disease. Although these communications are well described in anatomical texts, they are difficult to appreciate spatially within intact specimens. The aim of this study was to identify and photograph the principal communications between the major anatomical spaces of the head using E12 plastinated cross-sections. In this study, a collection of 129 E12 plastinated human head sections (approximately 1.3 mm thick) prepared in sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes was systematically examined. The principal communications between the cranial cavity, orbit, nasal cavity, oral cavity, pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa, and maxillary sinus were identified, documented, and photographed. Eleven principal anatomical communications were consistently identified within the E12 plastinated sections. These included the cribriform plate, superior orbital fissure, optic canal, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, pterygoid canal, inferior orbital fissure, sphenopalatine foramen, ethmoidal foramina, semilunar hiatus, greater palatine canal, and incisive canal. The optical clarity and preservation of native anatomical relationships enabled these pathways to be followed across consecutive sections while maintaining their spatial continuity within intact specimens. E12 plastinated cross-sections provide a detailed anatomical demonstration of the principal communications between the major spaces of the head while preserving their native in situ relationships. The resulting photographic documentation provides a comprehensive visual reference that complements conventional anatomical resources and cross-sectional imaging and may support anatomical and radiological education.