Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Numerals on Models

A primer for the way that numbers often appear on the models...

Most of our models are handpainted and many come from a European company named Somso. So the numbering and lettering often follow different patterns than you might be used to.

The biggest suggestion I can give you is that, when you first start to work with a model, find the part that is #1, #11, #7, and #77, and that will help you tell how that particular model shows 1s and 7s. Then find part #9, and you'll see how the model demonstrates that digit. If you do this while studying, when you have the model key in front of you, then you'll learn what a "1" and a "7" and a "9" look like, and you'll be much less likely to make a mistake on your exam.

Often a "1" will have an uptick, as seen in the last three items in this image.
A "7" sometimes has a crossbar, and this image shows a "1" and a "7" in this style.

Take a look at your keyboard. How does the number "9" appear? So it shouldn't surprise you that's how a "9" might be painted on the model. So no, it's not a lowercase letter G. If every single item on the model is numbered, why would they choose just that single muscle to paint with a letter? See the real life example below for a handwritten 9 in this style.

Take the time to learn how the model displays various digits. Then you won't be so surprised - or confused - on the lab exam when you are tested using those same models!