Description
This 3D model provides a unique perspective on the anatomy of the cerebrum relative to the meninges. The cerebrum has been separated from the brainstem and cerebellum, with only parts of the midbrain and cerebral peduncles visible on the inferior surface. Adjacent to the cut section the olfactory tracts and bulbs can be seen extending along the inferior margin of the frontal lobes of the cerebrum.
Varying dissection between the left and right cerebral hemispheres allows an appreciation for the organization of the brain and meninges as it would normally appear within the cranial cavity. In the midline, the dura mater has been preserved from anterior (rostral) to posterior. The central portion of the true (endosteal) dura opened to expose the superior sagittal sinus (between endosteal and meningeal layers of dura mater). Numerous arachnoid granulations (clusters of arachnoid villi) are visible within the opened superior sagittal sinus – as well as across the margins of the preserved dura. On the right cerebral hemisphere, the dura mater has been completely removed to expose the underlying arachnoid mater, which obscures the appearance of the underlying cerebral gyri and sulci as well as the terminal branches of cerebral arteries. In contrast, the arachnoid mater has dissected across most of the hemisphere (excepting a margin for reference) to expose the gyri and sulci covered in pia mater. This allows a clear view of the lateral sulcus and the central sulcus, with the latter defining the boundaries of the frontal and parietal lobes - and separating the primary sensory and motor cortical areas on the gyri on either side of the sulcus.
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.
