Pelvic floor anatomy is usually taught as a list of muscles and foramina, and students forget it because the list has no shape. The ADA-125 is a natural-size female pelvis that shows the pelvic muscles and pelvic organs as one unit. That single design decision — organs left in place — is what makes it useful: students see the bladder, uterus and rectum sharing a cavity with the muscles that support them.

Quick facts

What the model shows that a muscle chart does not

The shared cavity. The bladder, uterus and rectum sit in the same space, separated by fascia and supported by the levator ani. On a model with organs in place, the student sees why a pelvic floor defect can affect continence and prolapse at the same time.

The direction of support. The levator ani is not a flat sheet; it forms a bowl with a urogenital hiatus. Seeing the bowl explains why the anterior and posterior compartments fail differently.

The clinical landmarks. Ischial spines, pubic symphysis and sacrum are visible in relation to the organs, which is the orientation needed for examination and for interpreting imaging.

Terminology matters here. The International Urogynecological Association and International Continence Society produced a joint terminology report for female pelvic floor dysfunction precisely because inconsistent terms obscure both teaching and research [1]. A model gives the class a shared reference for those terms.

A 30-minute session

0–5 minutes: orientation. Identify the pubic symphysis, ischial spines, sacrum and coccyx. These are the fixed points for everything else.

5–15 minutes: the bowl. Trace the levator ani from pubis to coccyx and identify the urogenital hiatus. Ask students to predict which organ sits above each part of the bowl.

15–25 minutes: clinical link. Discuss how pelvic floor muscle training is used for urinary incontinence, and what the model shows about the muscles that are trained. A Cochrane review found that pelvic floor muscle training is effective for urinary incontinence in women [2], which gives the anatomy a clinical endpoint.

25–30 minutes: limits. Explain what the model cannot show: tone, contractility, connective tissue quality and symptoms.

What the model does well

• Organs in situ. The relationships that matter clinically remain visible.
• Natural size. Students can compare the model with their own landmarks.
• Single object. No assembly or part-hunting; suitable for demonstration and self-study.
• Durable format. A mounted model survives repeated handling better than a multi-part torso.

Where the model stops

• Static. It cannot show contraction, relaxation or prolapse.
• No fascia detail at microscopic level. Connective tissue is represented, not reproduced.
• No pathology variants. Cysts, tumours and prolapse staging need other models or imaging.
• Limited material data. Confirm the polymer and cleaning method with the supplier.

Buying checklist

1. Confirm natural size and organ set. Ask for a photograph of the exact unit you will receive.
2. Check the mount. A stable base is needed for two-handed demonstration.
3. Request cleaning instructions. Pelvic models are handled closely; surface compatibility matters.
4. Pair with a normal skeleton pelvis. The comparison shows bone versus soft tissue.
5. Ask for a spare base or fittings if the model will travel between rooms.

FAQ

Q1. Is the model natural size? Yes. The product page specifies natural size and shows pelvic muscles with pelvic organs.

Q2. Are the organs removable? The model is designed to show muscles and organs as a whole. Ask the supplier whether any organ is detachable on the current production version.

Q3. What is the price and minimum order? Price is quoted per order. Email adanursing@adaanatomy.com with quantity and destination for a current quotation.

Q4. What is it made of? The product page does not specify the polymer. Request the material datasheet with the quotation.

Q5. How should it be cleaned? Use a soft damp cloth and mild detergent; avoid solvents. Confirm the approved disinfectant with the supplier.

Q6. What after-sales support is available? Warranty and spare-part terms should be confirmed in writing with the quotation.

References

1. Haylen BT, de Ridder D, Freeman RM, et al. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. Neurourol Urodyn. 2010;29(1):4-20. doi:10.1002/nau.20798
2. Dumoulin C, Cacciari LP, Hay-Smith EJC. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;10:CD005654. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4
3. Sugand K, Abrahams P, Khurana A. The anatomy of anatomy: a review for its modernization. Anat Sci Educ. 2010;3(2):83-93. doi:10.1002/ase.139

Contact

For a photograph of the current unit, the material datasheet or a quotation: adanursing@adaanatomy.com. Production follows ISO 45001 management practice; CE documentation is available for EU procurement.