Description
At the forefront of medicine and technology, we are proud to offer these incredible, uncompromised replicas of human anatomy. Using the latest 3D printing technology and materials available, this model is an exact replica of a human cadaver, brought to "life" by extensive medical scanning and manufacturing technologies. Over are the days of using ethically questionable cadavers, the mess of hazardous preservation chemicals, and the inaccuracies of plastinated models that often over-enhance anatomy for display, not realism. See the future, and the beauty, of real human anatomy with these incredible anatomical replicas!
This 3D printed specimen displays a deep dissection of a left knee joint with the internal joint capsule structures relative to superficial tissues in a flexed position. The proximal cross-section through the distal thigh captures a small portion of the quadriceps femoris and sartorius anteriorly (with the thickened connective tissue of the iliotibial tract), the fat-filled popliteal fossa (with the popliteal vessels, tibial and common peroneal nerves), and the termination of the medial (adductor magnus tendon, gracilis) and posterior thigh muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) posteriorly. The distal cross-section through the leg preserves the most proximal portion of the muscles of the anterior, lateral and posterior compartments. Also visible in the section are the associated neurovascular structures: the anterior tibial artery, vein and deep peroneal nerve; the posterior tibial artery, vein and tibial nerve; and the fibular artery and vein.
Anteriorly, the skin, subcutaneous tissue and patella have been removed, with only remnant portions of the tendon of the quadriceps femoris and patellar ligament retained. With the joint capsule opened, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and the menisci are visible positioned between the femoral condyles and tibial plateau. On the medial aspect, the tibial (medial) collateral ligament passes just anterior to the insertion of the semitendinosus of the pes anserinus (the sartorius and gracilis tendons are sectioned), which in turn is just anterior to the posterior compartment musculature (covered by crural fascia). On the lateral aspect, the fibular (lateral) collateral ligament is preserved, and the anterior crural musculature is exposed. Passing from the thigh are the inserting tendon of the biceps femoris onto the head of the fibula, as well as the common peroneal nerve.
Please Note: Thanks to the flexibility of manufacturing that 3D Printing offers, this model is "printed to order", and is not typically available for immediate shipment. Most models are printed within 15 working days and arrive within 3-5 weeks of ordering, and once an order is submitted to us, it cannot be canceled or altered. Please contact us if you have specific a specific delivery date requirement, and we will do our best to deliver the model by your target date.
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.
