3D visualization tools have been developed to assist in the anatomical learning of medical students, but the evidence on the effectiveness of these tools is inconsistent. Conventional 3D materials are often displayed on 2D screens, which can limit their educational impact. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the presentation of 3D learning…

The 3D stereoscopic technique consists in providing the illusional perception of depth of a given object using two different images mimicking how the right and left eyes capture the object. Both images are slightly different and when overlapped gives a three-dimensional (3D) experience. Considering the limitations for establishing surgical…

Learning anatomy holds specific challenges, like the appreciation of three-dimensional relationships between anatomical structures. So far, there is limited knowledge about how students construct their understanding of topographic anatomy. By understanding the processes by which students learn anatomical structures in 3D, educators will be better…

Spatial abilities (SAs) are cognitive resources used to mentally manipulate representations of objects to solve problems. Haptic abilities (HAs) represent tactile interactions with real-world objects transforming somatic information into mental representations. Both are proposed to be factors in anatomy education, yet relationships between SAs and…

Spatial visualization, the ability to mentally rotate three-dimensional (3D) images, plays a significant role in anatomy education. This study examines the impact of technical drawing exercises on the improvement of spatial visualization and anatomy education in a Neuroscience course. First-year medical students (n = 84) were randomly allocated…

This descriptive report explores the implementation of the use of plastinated specimens in a Doctor of Physical Therapy human anatomy curriculum as an alternative to traditional body donor dissection. Plastination, a preservation technique developed in the 1970s, creates durable and flexible specimens that retain detailed anatomical features. The…

Increasing number of medical students and limited availability of cadavers have led to a reduction in anatomy teaching through human cadaveric dissection. These changes triggered the emergence of innovative teaching and learning strategies in order to maximize students learning of anatomy. An alternative approach to traditional dissection was…

Haptic perception is used in the anatomy laboratory with the handling of three-dimensional (3D) prosections, dissections, and synthetic models of anatomical structures. Vision-based spatial ability has been found to correlate with performance on tests of 3D anatomy knowledge in previous studies. The objective was to explore whether haptic-based…

In anatomical education three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology allows for active and stereoscopic exploration of anatomy and can easily be adopted into medical curricula along with traditional 3D teaching methods. However, most often knowledge is still assessed with two-dimensional (2D) paper-and-pencil tests. To address the growing…

Traditional education often relies on passive learning approaches, whereas modern medical students increasingly seek interactive, technology-enhanced experiences. Despite the growing use of digital tools in anatomy education, there remains a lack of structured, student-centered 3D modeling courses embedded within the undergraduate medical…

Descriptive and functional anatomy is one of the most important sciences for kinesiology students. Anatomy learning requires spatial and motor imagery abilities. Learning anatomy is complex when teaching methods and instructional tools do not appropriately develop spatial and motor imagery abilities. Recent technological developments such as…

Binocular disparity provides one of the important depth cues within stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology. However, there is limited research on its effect on learning within a 3D augmented reality (AR) environment. This study evaluated the effect of binocular disparity on the acquisition of anatomical knowledge and…

Three-dimensional (3D) digital anatomical models show potential to demonstrate complex anatomical relationships; however, the literature is inconsistent as to whether they are effective in improving the anatomy performance, particularly for students with low spatial visualization ability (Vz). This study investigated the educational effectiveness…

Research suggests that spatial ability may predict success in complex disciplines including anatomy, where mastery requires a firm understanding of the intricate relationships occurring along the course of veins, arteries, and nerves, as they traverse through and around bones, muscles, and organs. Debate exists on the malleability of spatial…

Visual-spatial abilities are considered a successful predictor in anatomy learning. Previous research suggest that visual-spatial abilities can be trained, and the magnitude of improvement can be affected by initial levels of spatial skills. This case-control study aimed to evaluate (1) the impact of an extra-curricular anatomy dissection course…