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…

Knowledge of human anatomy is vital for nurses. Medical educators use a variety of educational pedagogies, including the use of cadavers, to cultivate nursing students into competent and professional care providers and to help them gain authentic experience and knowledge before entering the workplace. Studies have provided numerous examples of…

Anatomy has often been regarded as an immutable discipline where everything that needs to be known is known. This article focuses on the teaching of vulval anatomy, the diversification of gender in contemporary society, and the increasing popularity of the Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS) industry. The binary language and singular structural…

Virtual reality (VR) is an increasingly available resource with numerous applications to medical education, and as a teaching tool has been widely validated in the literature. Photogrammetry, the process of overlapping two-dimensional (2D) photographic images of three-dimensional (3D) objects to create a 3D image or "model," can be used…

Anatomical dissection is known to serve as an integral tool in teaching gross anatomy, including postgraduate training. A variety of embalming techniques exist, resulting in different haptic and optical tissue properties. This study aimed to objectify learning outcomes and medical student perceptions related to the use of two widely used embalming…

Heart muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, exhibit intrinsic contractility in vitro. We found that commercially-available mammalian cardiomyocytes serve as an excellent model system for studying the cytoskeleton and cellular contractility, fundamental topics in undergraduate cell and molecular biology courses. Embryonic rat cardiomyocytes were plated…

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology has been increasingly applied in health profession education. Yet, 3DP anatomical models compared with the plastinated specimens as learning scaffolds are unclear. A randomized-controlled crossover study was used to evaluate the objective outcomes of 3DP models compared with the plastinated specimens…

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) large language models have become sufficiently accessible and user-friendly to assist students with course work, studying tactics, and written communication. AI-generated writing is almost indistinguishable from human-derived work. Instructors must rely on intuition/experience and, recently, assistance from…

The Pernkopf atlas is a well-known case study of anatomists' ethical transgressions in using bodies of Nazi victims for professional purposes and the relevance of this history for today. This study examines the likely sources from which Pernkopf developed his own anatomical gaze and pedagogical approach to depicting the human body. It also…

Histology is a preclinical subject transversal in medical, dental, and veterinary curricula. Classical teaching approaches in histology are often undermined by lower motivation and engagement of students, which may be addressed by innovative learning environments. Herein, we developed a serious game approach and compared it with a classical…

Student participation in interactive outreach programs focusing on anatomy has been shown to have a positive impact on learning and healthcare career aspirations. This article describes the Anatomy Outreach Program held at the Physical Therapy Center and Gross Anatomy Lab on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. Physical therapy (PT)…

Pelvic anatomy is considered challenging to teach and learn, partly because its complexity can make it difficult to conceptualize. Educational researchers recognize the value of a spiraling curriculum to develop clinically orientated anatomy knowledge for health professionals, but most studies have focused on the preclinical years. It is unclear…

Difficulty in visualizing anatomical structures has been identified as a challenge in anatomy learning and the emergence of three-dimensional printed models (3DPMs) offers a potential solution. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 3DPMs for learning the arterial supply of the head and neck region. One hundred eighty-four undergraduate medical…

Digital anatomy learning platforms hold potential academic benefits, yet there is currently no universally accepted pedagogical framework guiding their utilization. This study applied the lens of Laurillard's conversational framework to explore second-year medical students' experiences with a digital anatomy learning platform at a South African…

The intersection of religion and science often elicits polarizing views among scientists, though approximately half of American scientists identify as religious. Mounting evidence also supports the role of spirituality in comprehensive patient care. The purpose of this study was to explore the religiosity of faculty who teach in the anatomical…