The UK National Electronic Library for Health (NeLH) has announced that the latest online resource to be added to the NHS’s online electronic library will be the world’s first complete 3-D anatomical model of the head and neck.

Created by London-based Primal Pictures, this resource shows every anatomical structure in 3-D in great detail, and is expected to will be a valuable teaching and presentation tool.

“The head and neck is our most complex project to date,” said Laurie Wiseman, Primal Pictures’ Chief Executive. “It represents a level of detail and sheer graphic quality that creates immediate impact and powerful educational value.”

According to the NeLH thousands of healthcare professionals are already using the anatomy resource available through the online library. The head and neck will be one of a suite of new 3-D imagery available on the NeLH.

Other 3-D imagery to be added to the NeLH in September includes an interactive functional anatomy resource called ‘The Body in Motion’ which shows all the muscles in the human body in movement.

Another module focuses on sports injuries to the lower leg, foot and ankle. The title deals with both acute and overuse injuries, plus an introduction to clinical assessment, imaging and biomechanics.

Yet another 3-D resource to be added in September is ‘A Guide to Hip Arthroplasty’. Created in collaboration with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, the title takes the user through the entire procedure, from pre-operative planning to rehabilitation.

“The anatomy resource is currently one of the most popular areas of the library” said Physiotherapist and NeLH Professional Relationships Manager, Nick Rosen. “The addition of these new resources means many more professional groups will find useful images and supporting information.”

Preview images from the head and neck anatomy resource are currently being hosted by the NeLH (www.nelh.nhs.uk/anatomy).