Description
Diaphragm and Xiphoid Process
The diaphragm has been secured to the superior border of the dissected specimen with sutures to ensure an unobstructed view of the abdomen. The xiphoid process is in the middle of this sutured border.
Liver and Gallbladder
The liver in the right hypochondrium has been pushed laterally to reveal the kidney posterior to it. The falciform ligament divides the right and left anatomical lobes of the liver and enveloping ligamentum teres, which is a remnant of the umbilical vein which is present during fetal development. Below ligamentum teres at the inferior border of the liver in this model, the gall bladder is sandwiched between the anatomical lobes of the liver.
Stomach and Splenic Vasculature
The deflated stomach has been deflected superiorly to reveal the splenic artery and vein. The tortuous course of the splenic artery and vein can be observed as it approaches the spleen, giving off numerous branches which enter the hilum of the spleen.
Spleen and Pancreas
The spleen is in the left hypochondrium of the specimen. Its gastric impression indicates where the greater curvature of the stomach would normally sit. Toward the inferior pole of the spleen, the tail of the pancreas is fused to the hilum of the spleen. Unlike the remainder of the organ, the tail of the pancreas is intraperitoneal.
Kidneys
The kidneys are primarily retroperitoneal, however in this specimen the peritoneum that usually covers these organs has been removed. Normally, the right kidney is displaced inferiorly by the liver relative to the than the left kidney. However, in this specimen the right kidney is both higher and smaller than the left. The left kidney is abnormally large and is supplied by two accessory renal arteries which arise directly from the abdominal aorta. These connect just superior to the hilum and also to the inferior pole of the kidney.
Adrenal Glands
The left adrenal gland is detached from its usual position on the superior pole of the kidney. The middle adrenal artery originates directly from the aorta, left of the coeliac trunk, whilst the inferior adrenal artery is derived from the left renal artery: both supply the adrenal gland. The superior adrenal artery has been obscured by connective tissue.
Rectum and Bladder
Although the majority of the peritoneum in the abdomen has been removed below the level of the sacral prominence (S1), a layer of peritoneum remains intact, which overlays the rectum and bladder. Notably this the first part of the rectum, which is intraperitoneal.
Gastrointestinal Tract
The final part of the ascending duodenum and the descending colon at the left colic flexure has been ligated with twine, with the intestine in between being removed in order to provide a better view of the abdomen.
Pelvic Region
In this specimen the sigmoid colon has indirectly herniated through the inguinal canal. On the right, the vas deferens emerges from the superficial inguinal ring and coursing towards the right of the scrotum to eventually attach to the right testicle. The remainder of the contents of the right spermatic cord have been removed from this specimen. The sutures observed inferior to the vas deferens are remnants from the embalming process. These indicate that the right femoral artery was used as the point of entry.
Abdominal Vasculature
The coeliac trunk can be seen just inferior to the reflected stomach. Typically, the coeliac trunk has three main branches; left gastric, splenic and common hepatic, to supply the foregut.
However, in this 3D model, the coeliac trunk gives off both right and left gastric branches, the splenic artery and a gastroduodenal branch that splits to become two superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. The proper hepatic artery emerges directly from the abdominal aorta, independent of the aforementioned branches, and gives rise to the right inferior phrenic artery.
The iliolumbar artery can be seen emerging deep to the right psoas, anastomosing with branches of the right deep circumflex iliac artery which courses along the iliac crest.
Advantages of 3D Printed Anatomical Models
- 3D printed anatomical models are the most anatomically accurate examples of human anatomy because they are based on real human specimens.
- Avoid the ethical complications and complex handling, storage, and documentation requirements with 3D printed models when compared to human cadaveric specimens.
- 3D printed anatomy models are far less expensive than real human cadaveric specimens.
- Reproducibility and consistency allow for standardization of education and faster availability of models when you need them.
- Customization options are available for specific applications or educational needs. Enlargement, highlighting of specific anatomical structures, cutaway views, and more are just some of the customizations available.
Disadvantages of Human Cadavers
- Access to cadavers can be problematic and ethical complications are hard to avoid. Many countries cannot access cadavers for cultural and religious reasons.
- Human cadavers are costly to procure and require expensive storage facilities and dedicated staff to maintain them. Maintenance of the facility alone is costly.
- The cost to develop a cadaver lab or plastination technique is extremely high. Those funds could purchase hundreds of easy to handle, realistic 3D printed anatomical replicas.
- Wet specimens cannot be used in uncertified labs. Certification is expensive and time-consuming.
- Exposure to preservation fluids and chemicals is known to cause long-term health problems for lab workers and students. 3D printed anatomical replicas are safe to handle without any special equipment.
- Lack of reuse and reproducibility. If a dissection mistake is made, a new specimen has to be used and students have to start all over again.
Disadvantages of Plastinated Specimens
- Like real human cadaveric specimens, plastinated models are extremely expensive.
- Plastinated specimens still require real human samples and pose the same ethical issues as real human cadavers.
- The plastination process is extensive and takes months or longer to complete. 3D printed human anatomical models are available in a fraction of the time.
- Plastinated models, like human cadavers, are one of a kind and can only showcase one presentation of human anatomy.
Advanced 3D Printing Techniques for Superior Results
- Vibrant color offering with 10 million colors
- UV-curable inkjet printing
- High quality 3D printing that can create products that are delicate, extremely precise, and incredibly realistic
- To improve durability of fragile, thin, and delicate arteries, veins or vessels, a clear support material is printed in key areas. This makes the models robust so they can be handled by students easily.
