Understanding human anatomy is crucial for improving public health outcomes; however, effective methods of engaging the public in this domain remain underexplored. This report investigates four hands-on, creative, and accessible methods for enhancing anatomical knowledge during public engagement events: drawing, clay modeling, needle felting, and…

This article describes a community collaborative project, "I've got yer back," that utilized the craft of needle felting to raise awareness and develop understanding of the anatomy of the human spine. The project took place in 2023 and engaged with participants from across the United Kingdom and abroad and its completion was timed to…

In this article the authors present practical approaches to alignment cueing using the Functional Awareness® approach to embodied anatomy. The pedagogical philosophy is beneficial for all levels of dance skill. We describe specific instructional practices to enhance understanding of the body, and the cueing can be incorporated in any dance class.…

A profound grasp of anatomy is indispensable for shaping competent and safe medical practitioners. This knowledge acquisition is pivotal in the early stages of medical education and remains crucial throughout clinical training. However, the evolving landscape of medical education has ushered in changes to the anatomy curriculum, marked by a…

Anatomy laboratories can provide rich opportunities for outreach to K-12 and college students interested in pursuing careers in health, medicine, or science. At the University of Missouri, the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences has designed flexible, one-hour interactive sessions that typically cover basic anatomical concepts using…

To date, neuroanatomy education courses are still based on two-dimensional (2D) illustrations combined with cadaver dissections. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of neuroanatomy, we offered mixed reality experience using a head-mounted device (HMD) for medical students during their neuroanatomy course. This pilot study´s purpose was to…

Gross anatomy courses utilize cadaver dissection to teach identification, topography, and spatial relationships of organs. The deconstructive nature of dissection, however, focuses students' attention on the "big picture", followed by a discovery of details. This approach may be useful for many, however some students may prefer to…

Incorporating inclusive language in healthcare education allows learners to develop holistic communication skills. Adhering to principles of linguistic equity in healthcare, specific to sex- and gender-inclusive language (SGIL), creates a safe environment for all participants. Anatomy education introduces students to a standard, consistent…

The increasing adoption of advanced simulation technologies (virtual reality, augmented reality, sophisticated mannequins) in anatomical science education offers undeniable pedagogical advantages, including safe practice environments and enhanced visualization of complex structures. This article explores the simulation paradox, arguing that the…

Formative assessment is a type of low-stakes assessment that can help reduce student anxiety and encourage students to engage in the course regularly. Formative assessment can also help instructors identify knowledge gaps. Students who had completed the first semester of a two-semester sophomore-level anatomy and physiology sequence were surveyed…

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of interactive Mixed Reality (MR) learning and compare it to traditional methods for independently learning inner ear anatomy through two experiments. The evaluation was conducted using HoloInnerEar, our new interactive MR tool for inner ear anatomy learning. In the first controlled…

A deep understanding of pelvic floor anatomy requires a three-dimensional visualization of the spatial relationships among pelvic neurovasculature, soft tissue structures, and bony landmarks, which are highly complex and difficult to comprehend solely through traditional teaching methods such as didactic lectures and anatomical dissection. This…

Health science represents the fastest-growing industry in the United States, a trend not predicted to slow for the next decade. The high demand for health professionals is seen with courses in Anatomy and Physiology (A&P), which often have high enrollments, high diversity, and require active pedagogies, hands-on learning, diverse study…

The language of anatomy, with its roots in Ancient Greek and Roman languages, is complex and unfamiliar to many. Its complexity creates a significant barrier to public knowledge and understanding of anatomy--many members of the public find themselves asking "what does it mean?", and this can manifest as poor health literacy and outcomes.…

Dissection of human body donors is a valuable part of anatomical education, research, and clinical training. In the United States, deceased human bodies are predominantly sourced through whole-body donation programs (BDPs) housed by academic institutions. Due to the lack of information regarding BDPs, the aim of this study was to gather…