Description

This 3D model is a didactic representation of a bipolar neuron. It depicts a neuronal cell body, with the nucleus rendered in relief, and two distinct processes extending from opposite poles of the soma: a dendritic process with terminal arborization and a single axon. The axon includes raised myelin sheath segments, representing Schwann cells, separated by nodes of Ranvier. At the distal end of the axon, six synaptic boutons are represented. Synaptic vesicles are depicted as raised circular elements on the terminal boutons, facilitating tactile identification and supporting conceptual understanding. The model was manually created in SOLIDWORKS, based on canonical neurohistological representations and adapted for tactile exploration. This piece is part of a broader project focused on the development of didactic 3D-printed models for inclusive neuroanatomy education, particularly for students who are blind or have low vision. The project is directed by the Health Science & Education Lab at Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil.