I have a standard disease lung model but am looking for something really specific to asthma. Is there some other type of asthma model you could recommend?

One of the best and most specific anatomical models to show the closing or tightening of the bronchus during an asthma attack is the bronchus model. Designed as cross section pieces of the air passage the model is hinged and swings out from a rod at the back. The stages of the bronchus asthma model progress from normal through to the muscle spasms and swelling of the tissue associated with a significant asthma event. In addition this model can also be used with patients that have a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis.

When is the best time to use an asthma model with the patient?

With the stress and fear of the asthma attack sharing an asthma model with the patient after they have fully recovered is the best option. However, in some cases where the fear of what is happening is causing increasing anxiety, using the model to explain what is happening in the air passages immediately can be helpful as well. This option works well because it helps to get the patient to normalize the asthma attack and use their muscles more effectively to help loosen the air passages and allow inhalation and exhalation to resume as quickly as possible. This type of asthma model, often referred to as a bronchus model, shows a cross section of the bronchus or air passage during the stages of the asthma attack.

After the patient is able to breath normally a disease lung asthma model can then be used to help explain all the details of the condition during the attack and even when the patient is breathing normally. Talking about triggers for asthma will be extremely beneficial to prevent further attacks.

Do children with asthma really understand the condition and what can I do to help develop a greater level of understanding?

Even very young children can have serious asthma conditions that may be life threatening. While young patients will typically be accompanied by a parent that can help them to avoid triggers and provide medication as prescribed, it is still important for the child to understand the condition as early as possible. Using a non-threatening model with a child that is old enough to understand what he or she is seeing is a great chance to provide education and information. Since the anatomy model is not graphic or highly complicated simple and age appropriate explanations can be provided to the child. Children in mid-elementary school are able to understand basic information about asthma especially when it is also provided by the parents at home.

A good option is to have the parents in on the discussion of the condition with the child. The asthma model is the center of the discussion with the doctor, but the parents can also review the model with the child to ensure there are no additional questions.

What options do I have for using a breast cancer model with all my female patients to stress the importance of breast self-examinations on a regular basis?

There are some excellent options for a breast cancer model that will show the proper patterns used in a breast self-exam. In addition this model also provides the patient the option to feel, in a simulated human breast, a tumor and fibrous mass. Often women know the correct way to do the breast exam but may not be aware of just what an irregular or abnormal tissue mass feels like in a self-exam. These models are ideal for patients that are uncomfortable with doing a self-exam on their own breast in the presence of the doctor.

There are other breast cancer model options that can be used in the same fashion. Although they may not be designed specifically for a breast self-examination they will typically include lumps and fibrous masses of different sizes that will be easy for the patient to feel and indentify. It is also a good idea to talk to the patient, using the model, about general information and current research on breast cancer prevention, treatment and factors that may make a patient more likely to develop this cancer.

Are there different styles in breast cancer models and which one is the best?

There are several different breast cancer model options and styles. The full size lifelike material breast model is very natural in appearance and texture and is helpful for patients to learn breast self-exam techniques. The breast cancer model that identifies different types of breast cancers through lumps and abnormalities under the surface of the breast is excellent for talking to patients after the results of biopsy. This anatomical model can also be instrumental in helping patients understand the different types of breast cancers.

For a patient with a diagnosis of breast cancer, a cross section model can be very helpful. Patients can see into the breast and the supporting tissue. This will assist the patient in understanding how the tumor is causing pain and complications. In addition, if surgical procedures are required the doctor can explain what specific techniques will be used and how the breast will be removed if required.

How do most female patients respond to the use of a breast model in an examination or consultation after a diagnosis of breast cancer?

A diagnosis of breast cancer is very traumatic and stressful for a woman and her family. Using a breast cancer model during this very difficult time of her life is a good way to allow her to visualize what you are explaining. The model doesn't have to be complicated or graphic but it should identify the type of tumor or mass as well as allow the physician to use that information to discuss a treatment plan. Using a breast anatomy model helps the patient focus in on the discussion, but expect that information intake will be limited, especially during the initial diagnosis and consultation.

Besides an entire human anatomy model, what options do I have for talking to patients about all the various organs affected by hypertension?

There are many physicians who have full human anatomy models in their main office or in an examination room. However, there are definite drawbacks to a full size model that takes up a huge corner of your available room space. A better option is to consider a hypertension model that shows just the affected organs and body parts. By narrowing down the model and avoiding a lot of extra information, the patient is able to focus more on the essentials without distraction.

Another reason that a specific model is beneficial is that the study card behind the model is a great way to ensure that you have provided information to the patient on all the complications caused by the health condition. If you don't use the model you may omit or skip over various health risks as the conversation with the patient gets a bit off track. The card just helps to keep everything logical and comprehensive without appearing to be a classroom lecture.

Is there a hypertension model available that is suitable for self-study in a laboratory or classroom environment?

A hypertension model that has a miniature model of each of the organs and body systems associated with the disease is a great self-study tool in a classroom or laboratory. These models will provide summary information of the effects of hypertension on the depicted body parts. With diagrams as well as 3D versions of the organs learning actually comes to life. Students can use the model in a variety of ways from preparing for tests and exams through to anatomy review and gaining a better understanding of the results of hypertension. This model can be supplemented with full size organ models showing both diseased and healthy organs. With a range of models comparisons can be made very easily and quickly and highlight the damage the disease causes.

What is the typical size and shape of a hypertension model?

With the organ components of the model approximately half of the size of the individual organ models, the size of this display is actually very small and compact. The entire stand is about thirteen and one half inches tall. The card on the back of the model that contains a wealth of additional information and graphics is six and one quarter inches by eight and one quarter inches in size. The entire model and card stand on a base that is six and one half inches by five inches.

Should I choose a hypertension model or a chart for my examination rooms in a smaller clinic?

Both a hypertension model as well as a chart are good space saving options for a small office or examination room. The major advantage of the model is that it is three dimensional and typically much more patient friendly than a basic or advanced type of anatomy chart or hypertension poster.

I deal with elderly patients. Is there a hip joint model you would recommend?

A basic hip model and an arthritic hip model are both good choices for working with geriatric patients. The basic hip model clearly shows the top of the femur as well as the hip joint, greater and lesser trochanter, ischial spine, ischium and pubis bones as well as the ilium. This provides an extremely accurate and simple perspective on the hip, ideal for discussing fractures, bone chips, deep muscle bruises and other conditions associated with falls.

The arthritic hip joint model is not made to be life sized. It actually shows four separate stages of arthritis in the hip joint. Even though each of the four representations is smaller than the basic hip they are very clear in showing the advancement or progression of arthritis in the joint. Erosion, bone spurs, fractures and degenerative joint disease are all displayed on the series of models. This can be instrumental in talking to elderly patients and their families about the aging process and what treatment options are available.

What is the difference between a basic hip joint model and a muscled hip joint model?

Both the basic hip joint model and the muscled hip joint are the same physical size with regards to height and width. The actual model of the muscled hip has additional features that include the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, iliacus, inferior and superior gemellus, obturator internus, piriformis and psoas muscles. In addition the articular capsule ligaments are also clearly shown on the model. This type of model is ideal for teaching, research, and also for patient consultation and discussion. Having both the basic model as well as the muscled model is highly recommended in any type of health care setting. The two models compliment each other and allow the medical professional to choose the degree of detail they require in the model when working the patient.

What is the typical size of a hip joint model?

The more accurate in size that a hip model is, the more effective it is in helping the patient or student to clearly visualize an actual human hip. The best option when choosing a model is to look for a full size normal hip, which is typically going to measure approximately five inches by four and three quarter inches in length and width. Depending on the specific type of mounting to the base the height will be about eight and one quarter inches to stay accurate in dimensions. Both the basic hip and the muscled hip will have the same dimensions for a model size and the both will include the top of the femur to show how the ball joint of the hip works. These smaller sized, compact models are good for emergency rooms, patient care rooms in orthopedic units and in the office of a family doctor and take up much less space than a complete skeletal model or a full leg model.

What is the typical size of human anatomy models?

The specific size of human anatomy models varies greatly based on the type of model. For example, a model of the human eye is going to be much smaller than a model of the spine simply because of the size of the body part. Most body organ models will have a base size of approximately 61/2 inches by 5 inches. This compact size makes them easy to store on a shelf, bookcase, desk or on a counter. Most organ models will be life-size in design and the model itself will not exceed the edges of the raised base.

Large joint or spine models can measure up to 19 inches in length, especially models of the human elbow that include the arm, elbow, wrist and fingers. Foot models also tend to be slightly larger than the base. These models are centered on the metal rod that holds the model to the base. This centering means they are perfectly balanced and very steady and durable. Elongated models such as the spine feature specific areas of the spine, such as the lumbar region, and are also very balanced and durable. Entire spine, leg, arm or body models in life-size will be much larger, heavier and more challenging to store.

What care is required in moving and storing human anatomy models?

Human anatomy models are made of plastic, and are extremely durable and strong. They are also very lightweight and easy to carry or move from place to place. Generally there are no special care requirements for high quality human anatomy models. They can be cleaned using a soapy cloth with warm water if needed. The base and model can also be dusted as needed.

Through the use of state of the art plastics the colors and textures on the models do not degrade or diminish over time and use. The colors will not fade with exposure to natural or artificial light.

Are the most popular types of anatomy models readily available in most educational settings?

Most science, anatomy and biology classes will have at least a few human anatomy models on hand. However, there are also veterinary models that are perfect for vet training, basic animal first aid classes and comparative anatomy projects or class activities. Having a good variety of different styles and options in anatomy models can really add reality to the abstract and difficult to visualize elements of a classroom. Students of any age will enjoy working with the models and will benefit in being able to actually see a replica of the body rather than just looking at a diagram or picture.

How many human anatomy models per classroom are recommended?

The number of 3D models per classroom varies with the specific class subject matter as well as the level of study. Elementary classrooms often have only one model for class use while middle school to college classes may have models for groups of students to work on. Having at least one model in the class is beneficial, the more models that are available the more students will use them and enhance their learning.