What are those model heads called?

August 26, 2007 12:21 PM

i want to buy one of those heads made out of pottery that show different bits of the brain; i can't for the life of me find out what they're called, but you see them on telly in doctor's surgeries and they look mighty fine. anyone got any ideas what they're called, despite my rather lame description?
posted by CliveDallas to Science & Nature (8 answers total)

Best answer: A phrenology model?
posted by essexjan at 12:29 PM on August 26, 2007

Or, more generally, an anatomical model?
posted by hattifattener at 12:37 PM on August 26, 2007

A model brain, generally. Something like this?
posted by londongeezer at 2:02 PM on August 26, 2007

Do you want it to show the topology of sensation? I've heard that referred to as a homunculus.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 3:29 PM on August 26, 2007

Probably plastic not ceramic, but Brain Mart has a bunch of professional models that show different bits of the brain. Along these lines, Anatomy Resources offers many models.
posted by extrabox at 3:57 PM on August 26, 2007

Response by poster: phrenology is it, thanks essexjan! i was so near but so far when i was googling psephology.

although brain mart does look like a wonderful place to do a big shop, extrabox. i'm particularly smitten with the Diseased Brain Model 290, a snip at $109.95.
posted by CliveDallas at 2:07 AM on August 27, 2007

Do I get a 'best answer' tick?

*Pathetic desire to be validated overcomes humility*
posted by essexjan at 7:16 AM on August 27, 2007

Nasco has a lot of that stuff. A search for "brain" yields not only models, but also preserved animal brains for DIY dissection studies. Neat!
posted by Myself at 7:31 AM on August 27, 2007