2. Initial Observations
• Assigned lower extremity dissection of an adult
male, approximate age determined in mid-late 50s.
COD related to cardiovascular disease.
• Cadaver presented in supine position, dissection to
begin on anterior thigh and transition to leg before
rotating to posterior aspect.
• Approach determined, dissection guideline
developed and submitted for approval.
4. Cutaneous Removal & Adipose Layer
Removal of skin to
reveal subdermal
adipose tissue
determined to be
tedious process
Adipose tissue
reveals multitude of
cutaenous blood
vessels and nerves
5. Anterior Thigh
Anterior thigh with
cutaneous layer
reflected to reveal
adipose and fascia.
Medial thigh.
Observe: Great
Saphenous Vein
7. Femoral Triangle
Once adipose is cleared from field of view, fascia
must be removed. The Femoral Triangle is a
common area with recognizable landmarks and a
number of vital structures that pass through it.
9. Anterior Leg
Utilizing similar techniques, now slightly refined
compared to initial dissection, transition to anterior leg.
10. Anterior Leg
Observe the
superficial nature of
the Tibia; note
directly lateral the
Tibialis Anterior
Note the Extensor
Hallucis Longus
situated between the
Tibialis Anterior and
Extensor Digitorum
Longus
12. Posterior Aspect
While anterior aspect was
compartmentalized;
posterior dissection was
performed on a broader
scale due to time
constraints; note that
cutaneous layer is
removed and adipose is
being removed to reveal
underlying musculature in
its entirety
14. Posterior Thigh – Interior Compartment
• Observe Femoral
artery and Superior
Genicular Artery
• Note that the
Sciatic nerve
branches into the
Tibial and Common
Peroneal Nerves
15. Posterior Leg
• Observe the Gastrocnemius as it lays superficially
to the Soleus
• Note the superficial, Posterior Tibial Artery
16. Posterior Leg - Continued
• Observe the Tibial Nerve laying beneath the head
of the Gastornemius and Soleus
17. Posterior Leg – Calcaneal Tendon
• Calcaneal tendon was cut in order to reflect the
superficial musculature away in order to see deep
laying structures. Should be noted the thickness
and density of the tendon was difficult to cut, even
with scalpel.
18. Posterior Leg – Deep Structures
• With Soleus partially reflected away, note Tibial
nerve as it runs along the Flexor Hallucis Longus as
well as the Lateral Sural Cutaneous nerve
19. Notes of Omission
• It should be noted that the knee dissection was
omitted, this was factored at the beginning of the
semester due to lack of dissection partner.
• Also note the foot dissection was omitted, this was
also determined at the beginning of the semester
due to the complexity of the foot and the small and
delicate structures contained within.
20. End of Semester Observations
• Time may be the enemy, but discovering and
preserving minor cutaneous nerves and blood
vessels gives better appreciation for mechanics of
biological functions.
• Anticipate to make mistakes, learn from them
• This is an excellent learning experience, ensure the
takeaway is worth it; work slow but steady, observe
the major landmarks, but appreciate the small
details that are often overlooked.
• Respect that a human being has chosen to give
their body to science so the students as well as the
medical community can broaden its understanding
of human anatomy and physiology
