Female pelvis deep dissection - Erler Zimmer
This 3D representation offers a comprehensive dissection and examination of the pelvic area concerning its surrounding structures. It specifically emphasizes the visceral and neurovascular components in association with deep ligaments and skeletal features.
Within the false pelvis, the sigmoid colon descends along the left side of the specimen, ultimately reaching the rectum, traversing the pelvic brim, and intersecting with the path of the common and external iliac artery and vein. In close proximity to the sigmoid colon, segments of the sigmoid arteries and superior rectal artery are superficially positioned over the common iliac vessels, in close proximity to the descending ureter. In the anterior portion of the true pelvis, the collapsed urinary bladder can be observed, situated between the bladder and rectum and enclosed by the broad ligament. Both the suspensory ligament of the ovary and the round ligament have been detached from the peritoneum on both sides to expose the surrounding blood vessels. While the ovarian ligaments, round ligaments, uterine tubes, and ovaries are enclosed within the peritoneal fold of the broad ligament, the model does not distinguish them due to the reduction in ovarian size that frequently occurs with advanced age.
Lateral to these organs, branches of the internal iliac artery can be identified, as well as a preserved median sacral artery situated in the midline between the two common iliac arteries. On the left side, only the uterine artery is visible laterally. On the right side, you can identify the obturator, superior vesical, and uterine arteries. Additionally, the origins of the inferior epigastric artery and vein can be observed as they arise from the external iliac vessels just before exiting the inferior abdominal cavity.
On the right side of the preserved pelvis, the entire femur and thigh musculature have been removed to expose the obturator membrane, the articular cartilage of the acetabulum, and the transverse ligament of the acetabulum. Posteriorly, the entire gluteal region has been dissected to reveal the superior gluteal foramen and the origin of the superior gluteal artery. The sacrotuberous ligament has been removed to demonstrate the sacrospinous ligament, with some branches of the inferior rectal artery preserved within the exposed ischoanal fossa.
On the left side of the preserved pelvis, the sciatic nerve has been maintained within the greater sciatic foramen, along with the preserved sacrotuberous ligament. The ischioanal fossa mirrors that of the right side, where branches of the inferior rectal artery have been preserved in relation to the fibers of the pelvic diaphragm, illustrating the integration of the external anal sphincter on the projecting external rectal surface.
