Electronic ISSN 2287-0237

VOLUME

APPLIED LEARNING OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: VIRTUAL DISSECTIONTABLES WITHIN MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION

FEBRUARY 2019 - VOL.15 | MEDICAL EDUCATION

Anatomy and physiology are core subjects in medical and health science programswhich students often find relatively challenging compared to other disciplines. Althoughdissection of cadavers remains the main teaching method utilised to teach human anatomy,a range of interactive multimedia modules and virtual visualization software and deviceshave become available to supplement learning in these areas. Studying anatomy andphysiology via three-dimensional (3D) visual models is becoming increasingly prevalent,as is the quality of instruction available through the use of virtual dissections. Virtualdissection tables are a recent entry to the options that medical and health science programshave when considering learning tools for their students. However, with the range ofnovel tools available, many educators find that choosing which new technologies to adoptin the classroom or teaching laboratories can become overly complicated, with the risk ofsome technologies becoming distracting or not always effective for their students. It isalso difficult to find concise, evidence-based reviews of upcoming technology, makingthe onus on program leads to identify which technology or modern devices may be mostsuitable for learning within their institution, without ever having utilised many of thedevices on offer. As such, this article aims to provide benefits and limitations of virtualdissection tables, outline the recent literature surrounding applications of this technology,and provide insights for institutions seeking to consider virtual dissection tables. Thisarticle focuses on informing educators towards possible use-cases for these devices toassist with considerations of which new technologies to consider for use medical andhealth science programs.

Keywords :

learning anatomy, anatomage, virtual dissection table, traditional dissection,technology-enhanced education.

Received: July 16, 2018

Revision received: October 05, 2018

Accepted after revision: January 09, 2019

BKK Med J 2019;15(1): 121-127.

DOI: 10.31524/bkkmedj.2019.02.021

MEDIA
Figure 1: The Anatomage Table (upper left image) and representations of the virtual human cadaveric modules, detailing the skeletal and muscular system.
Figure 2: Examples of dissections performed with the Anatomage Table. Note the potential to annotate names of each feature, organ or body part of interest on top of the model provided.
Figure 3: Depictions of images within the Anatomage Table software which may have a potential use in lectures, such as detailing cells, animal models, or developmental anatomy, such as illustrating the development of a foetus.
Figure 4: Depictions of scans side-by-side with virtual imagery of the structures, taken from the Anatomage Table.
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