Abdomen vasculature - Erler Zimmer
Coeliac Trunk
Supplying the embryological foregut, the celiac trunk originates from the T12 spinal level. Notable branches in this specimen include the Left gastric artery, emerging from the left portion of the celiac trunk; remnants of the splenic artery, arising from the celiac trunk and extending towards the left hypochondrium; the Common hepatic artery, positioned to the right of the celiac trunk and giving rise to significant branches; the Gastroduodenal artery, which branches inferiorly into the right gastric artery and connects with the superior mesentery artery via the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery; and the Proper hepatic artery, commencing after the gastroduodenal artery, and branching into the Left hepatic artery (the first branch), and the Right hepatic artery (situated inferiorly), which eventually gives rise to the Cystic artery connecting to the gallbladder.
Superior Mesenteric Artery and Inferior Mesenteric Artery
Supplying the midgut and hindgut respectively, the superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric arteries originate at the L1 and L3 vertebral levels, respectively.
Although both arteries have important branches, this specimen does not preserve them entirely. The Superior mesenteric artery is visible in the model as it exits below the pancreas, dividing into numerous branches. The Inferior mesenteric artery can be seen descending along the left side of the abdominal aorta. The left colic artery, moving laterally, can be observed branching from the Inferior mesenteric artery and giving rise to the marginal arteries that supply the colon.
Venous System of the Abdomen
The superior mesenteric vein, appearing less tubular compared to its arterial counterpart, is located posterior to the superior mesenteric artery.
In this specimen, the left anatomical lobe of the liver has been removed, exposing branches of the portal vein. These branches facilitate the transport of nutrients from the gastrointestinal system to the hepatocytes, ultimately connecting back to the venous system through the hepatic veins. These veins, in turn, converge with the Inferior Vena Cava.
Hilum of the Kidney
The right kidney exhibits typical anatomy, whereas the left kidney displays anatomical variation at the hilum. Key structures in the right kidney include the Right renal vein (most superior), which merges directly into the IVC; the Right renal artery (most inferior), coursing beneath the IVC from its origin in the abdominal aorta; and the Right ureter, passing superficially to the right renal artery before descending further.
Conversely, the left kidney presents unique features at the hilum: the Left renal vein (most inferior instead of the usual superior) is highly subdivided, the Left renal artery (most superior instead of the usual inferior), and the Left ureter descending from the hilum and medial to the kidney.
Muscles, Nerves, and Other Vasculature
The psoas major and iliacus muscles are visible on both sides of the specimen. In their vicinity, prominent branches of the lumbar plexus are evident, particularly on the left side. These include the Iliohypogastric nerve (the most superior of the nerves present), the Ilioinguinal nerve (situated inferiorly and directed toward the inguinal canal), the Femoral nerve (originating deep to and appearing lateral to the psoas major), and the Genitofemoral nerve, which courses superficially to the psoas major and divides into genital and femoral branches of innervation.
Medially, to the psoas major, the left testicular artery and left testicular vein (in this male specimen) are visible. While the artery receives blood directly from the aorta, the left testicular vein drains into the left renal vein.
The right-sided testicular vasculature is also observable; however, the right testicular vein drains directly into the IVC. A branch of the iliolumbar artery, which anastomoses with the iliac circumflex artery, can be observed passing beneath the testicular artery and vein and beneath the ureter.
Gallbladder
Located just inferior to the liver, the gallbladder is visible, with the cystic artery descending to meet it. The cystic duct is also apparent, extending from the gallbladder and joining the common hepatic duct from the liver to form the common bile duct.
