Models of the intestines and mesentery for anatomical understanding

Abstract

This model helps in understanding the gross anatomy (shape, relative size, and three-dimensional positional relationship) of the intestines and mesentery. It is useful for medical students and young healthcare professionals to acquire basic knowledge for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and injuries of abdominal organs, as well as for examination and treatment. [Solution] The model 50 has an intestinal tract 2 covered and embedded by the peritoneum 1, an intestinal tract 2 provided in the posterior abdominal wall 4 in a form where much of the outer circumference is covered by the peritoneum 1, and an intestinal tract 2 provided in the posterior abdominal wall 4 via the mesentery 5, wherein each of the intestinal tracts 2 is made of a flexible and smooth pliable material and attached to a substrate 23 which is the posterior abdominal wall 4, and each of the intestinal tracts 2 and the mesentery 5 are configured to be the same as or approximately the same length and thickness as those in living organisms, thereby solving the above problem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intestinal tract and mesentery model for anatomical understanding. More specifically, it is a model for assisting in understanding the gross anatomy (shape, relative size, three-dimensional positional relationship with each other, etc.) of the intestinal tract and mesentery, and is useful for students studying medicine and healthcare and young medical workers to acquire basic knowledge about the anatomy of the intestinal tract and mesentery for understanding the pathological conditions, examinations, and treatments of abdominal organ diseases and injuries.

Background Art

[0002] For students studying medicine and healthcare and young medical workers, it is important to acquire knowledge about the anatomy of the intestinal tract and mesentery for understanding the pathological conditions, examinations, and treatments of abdominal organ diseases and injuries. Intestinal tract and mesentery models useful for such understanding are commercially available.

[0003] Existing intestinal tract models generally include: (1) an anatomical model in which only the front surface of a lump of intestinal tract is formed of hard plastic, (2) an intestinal tract model for endoscopic practice made of a flexible material, (3) a cloth model for understanding the development of the digestive tract, etc. The anatomical model of (1) is made of hard resin as part of a thoracic and abdominal organ model or an abdominal organ model, so it lacks the mobility that the intestinal tract originally has, and the observation is limited to the range visible from the surface. It was impossible to understand the complex anatomical relationships of the intestinal tract, mesentery, and peritoneum using this. Among the intestinal tract models for endoscopic practice of (2), some have a simulated mesentery and some do not. Even when there is a simulated mesentery, the simulated mesentery is only near the intestinal tract attachment part, and it is impossible to understand the anatomical relationship between the mesentery and the posterior abdominal wall. The cloth model of (3) is for understanding the development of the digestive tract, but in that the flexible intestinal tract and mesentery are joined to the posterior abdominal wall, it is closer to the actual object than (1) and (2). However, the relative size and shape of each part deviate from the actual object. None of these models can be said to faithfully reproduce the shapes of both the intestinal tract and the mesentery.

[0004] On the other hand, educational methods other than models include (a) systematic dissection of cadavers and (b) computer programs using 3D images. Systematic dissection of cadavers (a) is considered the best teaching material for understanding gross anatomy, but there are significant limitations regarding who can participate in the dissection and the places and times where it can be conducted. Computer programs using 3D images (b) show anatomical images within a pre-programmed range, but it is not possible to arbitrarily move the intestines and observe them from any direction, and it is said that they do not have the same learning effect as dissection.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 proposes a model for practicing small bowel endoscopy. In this model, the small bowel is made of silicone rubber and is designed to move in the same way as in a living body in response to endoscopic manipulation, but there is no simulated mesentery, and the length of the simulated small bowel is about 1 to 1.5 m, which is shorter than the real thing. Patent Document 2 proposes a human anatomical model. In this model, the intestinal tract is a model of the intestinal tract as part of a model for understanding the position of organs in the entire chest and abdomen, and at least a part of the intestinal tract made of soft resin is hollow, the intestinal tract as a whole is fixed, there is no mesentery, and the relationship with the peritoneum is not shown. In addition, Tables 2 and 3 of Non-Patent Document 1 propose cloth models of the digestive tract and abdominal viscera. These models are said to be effective in increasing the interest of nursing students in anatomy and human structure through the creation of human anatomical models. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] WO2011 / 027634A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-129175 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] "The Creation of Human Anatomy Models by Nursing Students and the Learning Effects of the Process," Ishikawa Journal of Nursing, Vol. 3(1), pp. 43-52 (2005) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As mentioned above, existing models are not intended to provide a gross understanding of the intestines, mesentery, and peritoneum. Therefore, they are not designed to faithfully reproduce the forms of the intestines, mesentery, and peritoneum. It is difficult to achieve a gross understanding of the intestines, mesentery, and peritoneum by using such existing models.

[0009] This invention was made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a model that helps in understanding the gross anatomy (shape, relative size, mutual three-dimensional positional relationship, etc.) of the intestine and mesentery, and is useful for students studying medicine and healthcare, and young medical professionals, in acquiring basic knowledge of the anatomy of the intestine and mesentery for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and injuries of abdominal organs, and for examination and treatment. In this application, for example, the intestine, mesentery, peritoneum, etc., are all models, so the word "simulation" that should be placed before the structural name is omitted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) The intestinal and mesentery model according to the present invention is a model having an intestinal tract covered and embedded by the peritoneum, an intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall in a form in which much of the outer circumference is covered by the peritoneum, and an intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery, wherein each of the intestinal tracts is made of a flexible and smooth pliable material and attached to a substrate representing the posterior abdominal wall, and each of the intestinal tracts and the mesentery are formed to be the same as or substantially the same length and thickness as living organisms.

[0011] According to this invention, the intestinal tract covered and embedded by the peritoneum, the intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall with its outer circumference covered by the peritoneum, and the intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery are all made of a flexible and smooth pliable material and attached to a base representing the posterior abdominal wall. Moreover, because the intestinal tract is made of a flexible and smooth pliable material, it can be folded and stretched just like a real intestinal tract, and can also be moved within the limits permitted by its anatomical relationship with the posterior abdominal wall. Therefore, an observer can take the model in their hand and observe the movable parts of the intestinal tract by turning and compressing them, and can observe the three-dimensional positional relationship of the intestinal tract, mesentery, and posterior abdominal wall from any direction as many times as needed until they are satisfied. Furthermore, each intestinal tract and mesentery is formed to be the same or approximately the same length and thickness as in a living organism. As a result, complex anatomical relationships that were previously difficult to understand through text, photographs, and diagrams alone can be easily understood even by beginners through observation using the model of this invention.

[0012] In the intestinal tract and mesentery model according to the present invention, the intestinal tract covered and embedded by the peritoneum is the duodenum, the intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall in a form where much of the outer circumference is covered by the peritoneum is the cecum, ascending colon, descending colon, and rectum, the intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery is the jejunum, ileum, appendix, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon, and the mesentery is the jejunal mesentery, ileal mesentery, appendiceal mesentery, transverse colon mesentery, and sigmoid colon mesentery.

[0013] In the intestinal tract and mesentery model according to the present invention, the duodenum is embedded beneath the peritoneum except for the bulb (first part), the cecum, ascending colon, descending colon, and rectum are each directly joined to the posterior abdominal wall on their posterior surfaces, and the jejunum, ileum, appendix, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon are each joined to the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery. According to this invention, each part can be made into a model that closely resembles its actual state.

[0014] In the intestinal tract and mesentery model according to the present invention, the small intestinal mesentery is constructed by joining together a large number of parts. The small intestinal mesentery has an extreme difference in length between its root and its attachment to the intestinal tract, and together with the jejunum and ileum, it is contained within the abdominal cavity in a complex folded state. It is physically impossible to unfold the entire jejunum, ileum, and small intestinal mesentery at once, but it is possible to unfold only a part of it in a wrinkle-free state. According to this invention, such a complex shape can be realized by combining a large number of parts. As a result, the reproducibility of the small intestinal mesentery, which was previously difficult to reproduce, can be improved. Note that "a large number" refers to, for example, the jejunal and ileal mesentery each being in the range of about 10 to 20 pieces, and as described later, an example can be given in which 14 cloth parts made of trapezoidal cloth close to a triangle are sewn together.

[0015] In the intestinal tract and mesentery model according to the present invention, it is preferable that the mesentery of the appendix, the transverse colon, and the sigmoid colon is made from cloth cut to the shape of the respective mesentery.

[0016] In the intestinal tract and mesentery model according to the present invention, the flexible material is preferably a smooth, glossy cloth material. This invention makes it possible to reproduce a feel close to that of the real thing.

[0017] In the intestinal tract and mesentery model according to the present invention, it is preferable that the intestinal tract is made of terry cloth, the peritoneum and mesentery are made of polyester satin fabric, and the posterior abdominal wall is made of plywood. According to this invention, a texture close to that of the real thing can be reproduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The present invention can help in understanding the macroscopic anatomy of the intestines and mesentery (shape, relative size, three-dimensional positional relationship, etc.). In particular, it is useful for medical students and young healthcare professionals in acquiring basic knowledge of the anatomy of the intestines and mesentery for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and injuries of abdominal organs, as well as for examination and treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship among the peritoneum 1, the intestinal tract 2, the mesentery 5, and the posterior abdominal wall 4. (a) shows the intestinal tract 2 (duodenum 6) buried in the peritoneum 1, (b) shows the intestinal tract 2 (cecum 15, ascending colon 16, descending colon 20, rectum 22) directly provided on the posterior abdominal wall 4, and (c) shows the intestinal tract 2 (jejunum 8, ileum 9, vermiform appendix 13, transverse colon 17, sigmoid colon 21) having the mesentery 5. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram of the treatment of the peritoneum 1 in the vicinity of the transition part between the intestinal tract 2 and the mesentery 5, showing that the extension of the peritoneum 1 covering the outer surface of the intestinal tract is used as the mesentery. [Figure 3] It is a morphological diagram when the jejunum 8 and ileum 9 are displaced to the left and the transverse colon 17 is displaced upward, and it is a schematic plan view showing the right side of the root 11 of the small intestinal mesentery 10, the caudal side (lower side) of the root 19 of the transverse colon mesentery 18, and the right half of the large intestine (cecum 15, ascending colon 16, transverse colon 17 to the right of the boundary 29). [Figure 4] It is a morphological diagram when the jejunum 8 and ileum 9 are displaced to the right and the sigmoid colon 21 is displaced downward, and it is a schematic plan view showing the left side of the root 11 of the small intestinal mesentery 10, the cranial side (upper side) of the root 25 of the sigmoid colon mesentery 24, and the left half of the large intestine (transverse colon 17, descending colon 20, sigmoid colon 21, rectum 22 to the left of the boundary 29). [Figure 5] It is a morphological diagram when the transverse colon is displaced downward, and it is a schematic plan view showing the duodenal bulb (first part) 26, the cranial side (upper side) of the root 19 of the transverse colon mesentery, and the transverse colon. Note that the intestinal tracts other than the duodenum, the first part of the jejunum, the latter half of the ascending colon, the transverse colon, and the first part of the descending colon are omitted. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram of the designed form of the small intestinal mesentery (jejunal mesentery). [Figure 7] It is a photograph showing the whole model. [Figure 8] It is a photograph showing the part where the transverse colon is flipped downward at the upper part of the model. [Figure 9] It is a photograph showing the right side of the root of the small intestinal mesentery when the jejunum and ileum are pushed to the left. [Figure 10] It is a photograph showing the left side of the root of the small intestinal mesentery when the jejunum and ileum are pushed to the right. [Figure 11] This is a photograph showing a partially widened mesentery of the small intestine. [Figure 12] This is a photograph showing the lower right part of the model. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The intestinal tract and mesentery model according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, but includes variations and applications thereof. All components of the model according to the present invention are simulated organs of various internal organs, and should be called, for example, simulated intestinal tract, simulated mesentery, simulated peritoneum, etc., but in the following, the term "simulated" is omitted for simplicity of expression. In the description and drawing explanation of this application, "up" and "down" refer to the top and bottom when the drawing is viewed straight on and in plan view, and are the same as the top and bottom in the actual human body. On the other hand, "right" and "left" refer to the positional relationship from the perspective of the actual human body, and are the opposite of left and right when the drawing is viewed straight on and in plan view. Similarly, "front," "back," "front," "back," and "front and back" refer to the positional relationship of the near side and the far side from the viewer's perspective when the drawing is viewed straight on and in plan view.

[0021] [Model of the intestines and mesentery] The intestinal and mesentery model according to the present invention includes an intestinal tract 2 covered and embedded by the peritoneum 1 (Figure 1(a)), an intestinal tract 2 provided in the posterior abdominal wall 4 with much of its outer circumference covered by the peritoneum 1 (Figure 1(b)), and an intestinal tract 2 provided in the posterior abdominal wall 4 via the mesentery 5 (Figure 1(c)). Each intestinal tract 2 is made of a flexible and smooth pliable material and is attached to a substrate 23 representing the posterior abdominal wall 4 by adhesive or the like, and each intestinal tract 2 and mesentery 5 are formed to be the same as or approximately the same length and thickness as in living organisms.

[0022] These models 50, consisting of intestinal tracts 2 embedded in the peritoneum 1, intestinal tracts 2 directly attached to the posterior abdominal wall 4, and intestinal tracts 2 with a mesentery 5, are made of a flexible and smooth pliable material and attached to a base plate 23 representing the posterior abdominal wall 4. This helps in understanding the gross anatomy (shape, relative size, three-dimensional positional relationship, etc.) of the intestinal tracts 2 and mesentery 5. In particular, it is useful for medical students and young healthcare professionals to acquire basic knowledge of intestinal and mesentery anatomy for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and injuries of abdominal organs, and for examination and treatment.

[0023] Furthermore, as described above, since the intestinal tract 2 is made of a flexible and smooth material, it can be folded and stretched just like the actual intestinal tract of a living organism, and can also be moved within the limits permitted by its anatomical relationship with the posterior abdominal wall 4. Therefore, an observer can take the model 50 in their hand and observe the movable parts of the intestinal tract 2 by turning and compressing them, and can observe the three-dimensional positional relationship of the intestinal tract 2, mesentery 5, and posterior abdominal wall 4 from any direction as many times as needed until they are satisfied. In addition, each intestinal tract 2 and mesentery 5 is formed to be the same or approximately the same length and thickness as in a living organism. As a result, complex anatomical relationships that were previously difficult to understand from text, photographs, and diagrams alone can be easily understood by even a beginner through observation using the model 50 of the present invention.

[0024] Each component will be explained.

[0025] <Morphology of the intestinal tract> Model 50 according to the present invention has a peritoneum 1, various intestinal tracts 2, a mesentery 5, and a posterior abdominal wall 4. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the peritoneum 1, intestinal tracts 2, mesentery 5, and posterior abdominal wall 4. The intestinal tract 2 shown in Figure 1(a) is an intestinal tract 2 that is covered and embedded by the peritoneum 1. This intestinal tract 2 is covered only on the anterior surface of its outer circumference by the peritoneum 1 (for example, less than 50% of its outer circumference), and is in a form that is embedded between the peritoneum 1 and the posterior abdominal wall 4. The intestinal tract 2 shown in Figure 1(b) is an intestinal tract 2 that is located in the posterior abdominal wall 4 with a large portion of its outer circumference (for example, more than 50% of its outer circumference) covered by the peritoneum 1. This intestinal tract 2 is covered on a large portion of its outer circumference by the peritoneum 1 and is located directly in the posterior abdominal wall 4 in a form covered by the peritoneum 1. The intestinal tract 2 shown in Figure 1(c) is an intestinal tract 2 that is located in the posterior abdominal wall 4 via the mesentery 5. This intestinal tract 2 is almost entirely covered by the peritoneum 1 (for example, more than 90% of its circumference) and is located in the posterior abdominal wall 4 via a mesentery 5 that connects the intestinal tract 2 to the posterior abdominal wall 4. Model 50 according to the present invention has an intestinal tract 2 of this form.

[0026] A typical example of the intestinal tract 2 with the morphology shown in Figure 1(a) is the duodenum 6; a typical example of the intestinal tract 2 with the morphology shown in Figure 1(b) is the cecum 15, ascending colon 16, descending colon 20, and rectum 22; and a typical example of the intestinal tract 2 with the morphology shown in Figure 1(c) is the jejunum 8, ileum 9, appendix 13, transverse colon 17, and sigmoid colon 21. The mesentery 5 consists of the jejunal mesentery 27, ileal mesentery 28, appendiceal mesentery 14, transverse colon mesentery 18, and sigmoid colon mesentery 24. Various types of intestinal tracts 2 are shown, for example, in Figures 3 to 5.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1(a), 3, and 5, the duodenum 6 is embedded beneath the peritoneum 1, except for the duodenal bulb 26 (first part). The jejunum 8, ileum 9, appendix 13, transverse colon 17, and sigmoid colon 21 are joined to the posterior abdominal wall 4 via the mesentery 5 (represented as "small intestinal mesentery 10" in Figures 4 and 5), as shown in Figures 1(c), 3, and 4. The cecum 15, ascending colon 16, descending colon 20, and rectum 22 have their posterior surfaces 2b directly joined to the posterior abdominal wall 4, as shown in Figures 1(b), 3, and 4. Because of this morphology, each part can be made into a model that closely resembles its actual state.

[0028] (Materials and dimensions of each part) The inventors investigated what kind of morphological model would be useful for students studying medicine and healthcare, as well as young medical professionals, in understanding the macroscopic anatomy (shape, relative size, and three-dimensional positional relationship) of the intestinal tract 2 and mesentery 5, and for acquiring basic knowledge of the anatomy of the intestinal tract and mesentery for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and injuries of abdominal organs, and for examination and treatment. The morphology of the organs in which the intestinal tract 2 is located should be the same as or similar to that of an actual living organism in terms of size and arrangement, and the material should also be considered. As a result, it is preferable to use a material that can be folded and extended like an actual intestinal tract, and can also be moved within the range permitted by the anatomical relationship with the posterior abdominal wall 4, allowing observers and students to pick up the model 50 and observe the movable parts of the intestinal tract 2 while inverting and compressing them.

[0029] The materials used were flexible and smooth pliable materials. Such pliable materials are not particularly limited, and various pliable materials that provide the above-mentioned effects (folding, stretching, moving, turning, compressing, etc.) can be used. Specifically, for example, in the photographs in Figures 7 to 12, the intestinal tract 2 is made of terry cloth, the peritoneum 1 and mesentery 5 are made of polyester satin fabric, and the posterior abdominal wall 4 is made of wooden plywood (5 mm thick) covered with polyester satin fabric, but the model is not limited to these examples. Other examples include synthetic resins such as vinyl and nylon, or synthetic fibers. For the peritoneum 1, using a material with a certain degree of elasticity makes it relatively easy to reproduce complex shapes. The material for the peritoneum 1 is preferably smooth and glossy. Smooth, glossy or semi-glossy pliable materials are preferable in terms of appearance, feel, and ease of reuse after washing (less prone to looking old). Using a light pink material for the small intestine results in a color closer to that of the real thing. The thickness of flexible materials such as terry cloth or satin is not particularly limited, but any appropriate thickness that provides the same effect as described above (for example, about 0.1 to 1 mm) is acceptable. By fabricating with such flexible materials, the intestinal tract 2 and mesentery 5 can be formed with the same or approximately the same length and thickness as those in the living body.

[0030] Regarding size, it is sufficient if it is the same as or approximately the same as the actual size of a living organism, and there are no particular limitations. Furthermore, since the size of actual living organisms varies from person to person, the size of the model 50 and the individual intestinal tracts 2 do not necessarily have to be exactly the same as the actual size of a living organism. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in the photographs of Figures 7 to 12, the overall size of the model 50 is 45 cm in length and 30 cm in width, and the overall height of the model 50 is approximately 6 cm. The height may vary slightly depending on how the intestinal tracts 2 are folded. The outer diameter and length of the intestinal tracts 2 are also sufficient if they are the same as or approximately the same as the actual size of a living organism, and there are no particular limitations. For example, in the example shown in the photographs of Figures 7 to 12, the small intestine (including the duodenum) has an outer diameter of 2.5 cm and a length of 270 cm, while the large intestine has an outer diameter of 4-6 cm and a length of 150 cm.

[0031] The same applies to the mesentery 5; it is desirable to make it as faithful as possible to the shape of the living body, but its size is not particularly limited. It is preferable to provide the small intestinal mesentery 10 (jejunal mesentery 27 and ileal mesentery 28), appendiceal mesentery 14, transverse colonic mesentery 18, and sigmoid colonic mesentery 24 as the mesentery 5. It is preferable that the length and width of these (the distance from the root 5a to the intestinal attachment 5b shown in Figure 1(c)) be similar to those of the living body. However, since there are large individual differences in the shape and size of the colonic mesentery, it is preferable to adopt what is considered an average size in the model 50.

[0032] Specifically, in the examples shown in the photographs in Figures 7 to 12, for example, the distance from the root 5a of the mesentery 5 to the intestinal attachment 5b (see Figure 1(c)) was set to 20 cm for the jejunum 8 and ileum 9, 10 cm for the transverse colon 17, and 13 cm for the sigmoid colon 21. More specifically, the posterior abdominal wall attachments of the jejunum 8 and ileum 9 are represented by the root 11 of the small intestinal mesentery 10, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The posterior abdominal wall attachments of the transverse colon 17 and sigmoid colon 21 are represented by the root 19 of the transverse colon 17 and the root 25 of the sigmoid colon 21, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The mesentery of the transverse colon 17 and sigmoid colon 21 is represented as the transverse colon mesocolon 18 and the sigmoid colon mesocolon 24, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0033] Furthermore, the length of the root portion 11 of the small intestinal mesentery 10 (jejunal mesentery 27 and ileal mesentery 28) is not particularly limited, but for example, in the example shown in the photographs in Figures 7 to 12, its length is 25 cm, the total length at the intestinal attachment is 240 cm, and the length of the intestinal tract 2 is set to 270 cm for the small intestine and 150 cm for the large intestine.

[0034] In the examples shown in the photographs in Figures 7 to 12, the total weight is approximately 1 kg, making it lightweight and easy to carry. Furthermore, since the base is made of wooden plywood, it is stable and therefore preferable as a model.

[0035] By creating the intestinal tract 2 and mesentery 5 using these materials and sizes, they can be folded and extended just like the actual intestinal tract, as described above, and can also be moved within the limits permitted by their anatomical relationship with the posterior abdominal wall 4. This allows observers and students to pick up the model 50 and observe the movable parts of the intestinal tract 2 by turning and compressing them. As a result, complex anatomical relationships that were previously difficult to understand from text, photographs, and diagrams alone can now be easily understood by beginners by using the model of the present invention. The three-dimensional positional relationships of the intestinal tract 2, mesentery 5, posterior abdominal wall 4, etc., can be observed from any direction as many times as needed until satisfactory.

[0036] (Production) The small intestinal mesentery 10, part of the mesentery 5, is composed of numerous parts joined together. The small intestinal mesentery 10 has an extreme difference in length between its root portion 11 and its intestinal attachment portion 5b, and it is contained within the abdominal cavity in a complex folded manner along with the jejunum 8 and ileum 9. It is physically impossible to unfold the entire jejunum 8, ileum 9, and small intestinal mesentery 10 at once, but it is possible to unfold only a portion of it to a wrinkle-free state. The model 50 according to the present invention realizes this complex shape by combining numerous parts. As a result, it is possible to improve the reproducibility of the small intestinal mesentery 10, which was previously difficult to reproduce. Note that "numerous" refers to, for example, the mesentery of the jejunum 8 and ileum 9 (small intestinal mesentery 10) each being in the range of about 10 to 20 pieces, and as described later, an example can be given in which 14 cloth parts made of trapezoidal cloth close to a triangle are sutured together.

[0037] The mesentery 5 of the appendix 13, transverse colon 17, and sigmoid colon 21 is preferably made from cloth cut to the shape of each respective mesentery.

[0038] The intestinal tract 2 is attached to the substrate 23, which serves as the posterior abdominal wall 4, in each of the configurations shown in Figure 1. The attachment method is preferably adhesive.

[0039] As a specific example, in the model 50 shown in the photographs in Figures 7 to 12, the intestinal tract 2 was created by rolling up terrycloth to a thickness of approximately two layers, thereby creating an intestinal tract with a lumen and a wall of a certain thickness, which was then covered with peritoneum. The small intestinal mesentery 10 of the jejunum 8 and ileum 9 was created by suturing together 14 pieces of cloth that were roughly trapezoidal in shape. The mesentery of the appendix 13, transverse colon 17, and sigmoid colon 21 was created from cloth cut into the shape of the mesentery.

[0040] Model 30 was fabricated using the parts thus created. As a specific example, in model 50 shown in the photographs in Figures 7 to 12, the duodenum 6 is embedded beneath the peritoneum 1 except for the bulb (first part) 26. The jejunum 8, ileum 9, appendix 13, transverse colon 17, and sigmoid colon 21 are each joined to the posterior abdominal wall 4 via the mesentery 5. The cecum 15, ascending colon 16, descending colon 20, and rectum 22 have their posterior surfaces 2b directly joined to the posterior abdominal wall 4.

[0041] (Preparation of the small intestinal mesentery (jejunal mesentery and ileal mesentery)) In the model 50 according to the present invention, the size of the small intestinal mesentery 10 is set to conform to that of a living organism, so there is an extreme difference in length between the intestinal attachment portion 5b and the mesentery root portion 5a (attachment portion to the posterior abdominal wall 4). In living organisms, the jejunum 8 and ileum 9 are folded in a complex manner, and the entire length of the small intestinal mesentery cannot be stretched and unfolded simultaneously. On the other hand, it must be possible to stretch and unfold it smoothly in parts without leaving wrinkles. To solve this, the present invention is characterized by the fact that it is made using multiple parts as described above, rather than being made with a single part. On the other hand, the mesents of the appendix 13, transverse colon 17, and sigmoid colon 21 do not have as much difference in length between the root portion 5a and the intestinal attachment portion 5b as in the small intestinal mesentery 10, so they can be made with a single part (however, they may be made with two or more parts).

[0042] It is preferable to cover the portion of the posterior abdominal wall 4 that is not covered by the intestinal tract 2 or the mesenteric root 5a with the peritoneum 1.

[0043] (others) When the model 50 according to the present invention is actually used, the model 50 is subjected to various mechanical stresses due to repeated operations involving compression, unfolding, folding, and pulling. Therefore, it is preferable that the selection of materials and the method of joining the parts described above be chosen with durability in mind.

[0044] In the model 50 according to the present invention, each component is joined or bonded to the substrate 23, which is the posterior abdominal wall 4, using sutures or adhesive. However, in actual living tissue, the peritoneum 1 consists of the intestinal surface, mesentery surface, and posterior abdominal wall surface, all of which are continuous without seams. It is difficult to create the entire peritoneum, which has a complex and three-dimensional shape, from a single piece of material, but it is preferable to suture or bond it in a way that makes the seams inconspicuous, so as close to the real thing as possible.

[0045] The model 50 according to the present invention only has a posterior abdominal wall 4, but by adding lateral abdominal walls to create a three-dimensional abdominal wall that is closer to that of a living organism, the three-dimensionality is increased, and portability and storage can be further improved.

[0046] In the model 50 according to the present invention, the outer diameter of the large intestine is made larger than that of the small intestine to distinguish it from the large intestine. Combined with the anatomical differences in their positions, the small intestine and large intestine can be easily distinguished in the model 50 according to the present invention. To make the appearance of the large intestine more realistic, the free taenia on the anterior side of the taenia colic may be added. Furthermore, adding the colonic bulge (the bulge between the constrictions) can make it even closer to the real thing.

[0047] The upper abdominal organs other than the intestines (lower esophagus, stomach, liver and its attached mesentery, biliary tract, spleen, greater omentum, lesser omentum), and retroperitoneal organs (pancreas, kidneys, abdominal aorta / inferior vena cava and their major branches) may also be included. This allows for a model that closely resembles a living organism. [Industrial applicability]

[0048] This invention provides a model to aid in understanding the gross anatomy (shape, relative size, and three-dimensional positional relationship) of the intestines and mesentery, enabling medical students and young healthcare professionals to acquire basic knowledge for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and injuries of abdominal organs, as well as for examination and treatment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1 Peritoneum 2. Intestinal tract 2a Intestinal wall 2b Rear 3 Intestinal lumen 4. Posterior abdominal wall 5. Mesentery 5a Root of the mesentery 5b Intestinal attachment site 6. Duodenum 7. The boundary between the duodenum and the jejunum 8 Jejunum 9 times 10 Mesentery 11. Root of the small intestinal mesentery 12. Ileocecal region (the boundary between the small and large intestines) 13. Appendices 14. Appendiceal mesothelium 15. Appendicitis 16 Ascending colon 17 Transverse colon 18. Transverse colon mesentery 19. Root of the transverse colon mesentery 20 Descending colon 21 Sigmoid colon 22 Rectum 23 Substrate (posterior ventral wall) 24 Sigmoid mesocolon 25 Root of the sigmoid mesentery 26 Duodenal bulb 27 Mesenteric jejunum 28 Mesentery 29. The boundary between the right and left halves of the large intestine 50 models

Claims

1. A model of the intestinal tract and mesentery, comprising an intestinal tract covered and embedded by the peritoneum, an intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall in a form where much of the outer circumference is covered by the peritoneum, and an intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery, wherein each of the intestinal tracts is made of a flexible and smooth pliable material and attached to a substrate representing the posterior abdominal wall, and each of the intestinal tracts and the mesentery are formed to be the same as or substantially the same length and thickness as those of living organisms.

2. The intestinal tract and mesentery model according to claim 1, wherein the intestinal tract covered and embedded by the peritoneum is the duodenum, the intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall in a form where much of the outer circumference is covered by the peritoneum is the cecum, ascending colon, descending colon, and rectum, the intestinal tract provided in the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery is the jejunum, ileum, appendix, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon, and the mesentery is the jejunal mesentery, ileal mesentery, appendiceal mesentery, transverse colon mesentery, and sigmoid colon mesentery.

3. A model of the intestinal tract and mesentery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the duodenum is embedded beneath the peritoneum except for the bulb, the cecum, ascending colon, descending colon, and rectum are each directly joined to the posterior abdominal wall on their posterior surfaces, and the jejunum, ileum, appendix, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon are each joined to the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery.

4. The intestinal tract and mesentery model according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the small intestinal mesentery among the mesentery is constructed by joining together a large number of parts.

5. The intestinal tract and mesentery model according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mesentery of the appendix, the transverse colon, and the sigmoid colon is made from cloth cut to the shape of the respective mesentery.

6. The intestinal tract and mesentery model according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible material is a smooth, glossy cloth material.

7. The intestinal tract and mesentery model according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intestinal tract is made of terry cloth, the peritoneum and mesentery are made of polyester satin fabric, and the posterior abdominal wall is made of plywood.

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