Description
This 3D model provides a view of the isolated brainstem anatomy from the midbrain to the medulla oblongata, and compliments the other diencephalon/brainstem 3D model in our series.
Rostrally, the 3D model has been sectioned at an angle from the overlying diencephalon while retaining the mamillary bodies of the hypothalamus between the cerebral peduncles (anteriorly) and the pineal gland/epithalamus (posteriorly). Posteriorly, the corpora quadrigemina (the collective superior and inferior colliculi) of the midbrain are prominent adjacent to the superior cerebellar peduncles. The cerebellum itself has been removed, leaving the cross-section of the middle and inferior cerebellar peduncles on each side. Inferior to the sectioned peduncles is the partially opened fourth ventricle and remnants of the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries.
On the ventral aspect of the 3D model the pons is preserved with the origin of the trigeminal nerve (CN V) preserved (particularly on the left side). Inferior to the pons on the medulla oblongata, both the pyramids and olives are visible on both sides (particularly clear on the right).
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.
