How To Make A Human Liver Model

The liver is a complex organ located in the abdominal cavity. It's the largest gland in the body and is responsible for a variety of metabolic functions. You can make a simple model to show the external portions of the liver or a more detailed model that demonstrates various veins, ducts and cells.

Step 1

Use brown clay or modeling foam to create the lobes. Follow the diagram closely for correct shape of each lobe. Set lobes aside for later assembly. Use blue clay or modeling foam to create the inferior vena cava and the portal vein. Set aside. Use red clay or foam to make the proper hepatic artery. Set aside. Use green clay or foam to make the gallbladder. Set aside.

Step 2

Build the model from back to front. Place the left lobe and right lobe next to each other, according to the diagram. Layer subsequent lobes on top of each other.

Step 3

Place the hepatic artery and portal vein under the caudate lobe so that a small portion of the ends are visible. Put the gallbladder toward the bottom of the liver with the common bile duct close to the hepatic artery and portal vein.Place the hepatic artery and portal vein under the caudate lobe so a small portion of the ends are visible. Set the gallbladder toward the bottom of the liver with the common bile duct close to the hepatic artery and portal vein. Place the inferior vena cava above the gallbladder and atop the final layer of lobes. Use glue to attach lobes and parts to each other as necessary.

Step 4

Stick a toothpick into each part you plan to label. Allow clay to dry overnight.

Step 5

Use white paint to create the ligaments on both sides of the liver model. Allow paint to dry.

Step 6

Write labels on small pieces of paper and glue them to the appropriate toothpicks.