Description
The hilum of a lung is the point at which visceral and parietal pleura meet and functions with the pulmonary ligament as the lungs only connection with the rest of the body. This connection includes the Pulmonary Artery, Superior and Inferior Pulmonary Veins, Main Bronchi, Nerves and Lymphatics.
As the definition of an artery involves carrying blood AWAY from the heart, this will be deoxygenated blood in the pulmonary system, in contrast with the systemic circulation. Similarly, veins carry blood TOWARDS the heart, meaning it will be oxygenated in the pulmonary system.
With the specimen cut in a sagittal plane in line with the cardiac notch, nerves are difficult to identify however, the impression from the arch of the aorta around the hilum can be seen alongside the left main bronchi and its subsequent divisions into lobar bronchi; found in this specimen more posterior in the hilum; the pulmonary artery and its divisions, located most superior; the superior and inferior pulmonary veins and their divisions which are most inferior and anterior in the specimen; the oblique fissure along the lateral surface of the specimen; various arteries, veins and bronchioles on the lateral surface; the diaphragmatic at the bottom and costal visceral on the posterior surfaces of the specimen and the pulmonary lymph nodes around the hilum on both the medial and lateral components of the lung.
Advantages
- Anatomically accurate and identical to real specimen
- No ethical issues - not real human body parts
- Reasonably priced
- Available within a short lead time
- Reproducible, several identical prints can be used as a classroom set
- Can be produced in different sizes to cater for the needs of the teacher
Human Cadavers
- Access to cadavers can be problematic. Many countries cannot access cadavers for cultural and religious reasons
- Cadavers cost a lot money
- High cost for establishing your own plastination suite
- Wet specimens cannot be used in uncertified labs
- Dissection of cadavers is a lot of staff time and that is a cost
- Storage of cadaver material needs special refrigeration etc. which has coast
- If you want another specimen you have to start all over again
Plastinates
- Costs
- Ethical issues
- Timeframe for plastination process
- Many countries do not allow their importation
- One of a kind
Superior 3D print results compared with conventional methods
- 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
Clear Support Material
- To avoid breakage of fragile, thin, and delicate arteries, veins or vessels, a clear support material is printed on such spots. This makes the models robust and can be handled by students easily.
