This specimen preserves a superficial dissection of the lower limb musculature from the mid-thigh to mid‐leg, as well as nerves and vessels of the popliteal fossa.
The insertions of the muscles of the anterior, middle and posterior compartments of the thigh are visible, including the pes anserinus medially and the iliotibial tract laterally. The capsule of the knee joint has been opened anteriorly to demonstrate the menisci and the tibial and fibular collateral ligaments. The superficial muscles of the leg are visible, with the anterior and lateral compartment muscles highlighted deep to the crural fascia. Within the popliteal fossa, both the popliteal artery and vein are visible descending from the adductor hiatus.
The sciatic nerve is seen bifurcating in the fossa, with the common fibular, tibial, and sural nerves preserved. The proximal cross‐section provides a view of the distal thigh musculature of the anterior, medial and posterior compartments. The femoral artery and vein and saphenous nerve are visible within the adductor canal. The sciatic nerve and perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery (and accompanying veins) are visible in the posterior compartment. In the distal cross‐section, muscles of the anterior, lateral and posterior compartment are visible.
The superficial and deep fibular nerves are visible in the anterior and lateral compartments, respectively. In the anterior compartment, the deep fibular nerve is adjacent to the anterior tibial artery and veins. In the posterior compartment, deep to soleus, both the posterior tibial and fibular arteries and veins are highlighted near the tibial nerve.
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