As part of scientific outreach.... and just plain fun!.... we uploaded a 3D interactive, and annotated, model of the brain cavity, cranial nerves, vasculature, and balance/hearing organs of the big boy, Tyrannosaurus rex.
Best part? You can download the 3D model for free, and print it out on any 3D printer. How cool is that? This specimen is from the American Museum of Narural History (AMNH 5117), which we had on loan almost a decade ago.
Additionally, you can learn more than you ever wanted to know about Tyrannosaurid neuroanatomy and paratympanic sinuses in the braincase from the technical paper we published nearly 10 years ago. Here's the citable, download via
the button below:
Witmer, L. M. and R. C. Ridgely. 2009. New insights into the brain, braincase, and ear region of tyrannosaurs, with implications for sensory organization and behavior. Anatomical Record 292:1266–1296.