Comparative Study of Traditional and Virtual Methods in Teaching Anatomy to Students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22100/ijhs.v12i2.1313

Keywords:

Virtual dissection table, Educational model, Anatomical model

Abstract

Background: Human anatomy is a fundamental course in medical sciences education, and mastering it is crucial. Traditionally, anatomy is taught using cadavers, models, and lectures. Anatomical knowledge is vital for accurate disease diagnosis; therefore, employing modern technologies to enhance teaching and learning can be highly beneficial.

Methods: This developmental study used census sampling among first-semester General Anatomy students. Posterior forearm muscles were taught using both a virtual dissection table and anatomical models, while anterior muscles were taught using models only. Theoretical knowledge was assessed with a written test, and practical skills through an objective structured practical examination (OSPE). Outcomes from each teaching method were then compared.

Results: The study demonstrated that combining the virtual dissection table with anatomical models significantly improved student scores. Most students preferred using 3D anatomy tools in addition to traditional models for learning anatomy, as they enhance active learning.

Conclusion: The use of a virtual dissection table can help students understand anatomy more effectively, resulting in improved exam performance. Moreover, this tool can make the curriculum more engaging and valuable. It also contributes to improving radiological knowledge and deepening the learning experience.

 

References

Azer SA, Azer S. 3D anatomy models and impact on learning: a review of the quality of the literature. Health Professions Education 2016;2(2):80-98. doi: 10.1016/j.hpe.2016.05.002

Johnson JH. Importance of dissection in learning anatomy: personal dissection versus peer teaching. Clinical Anatomy 2002;15(1):38-44. doi: 10.1002/ca.1090

Ahmed MAAS. Use of the Anatomage virtual table in medical education and as a diagnostic tool: an integrative review. Cureus 2023;15(3).

Resta P, Laferrière T. Technology in support of collaborative learning. Educational Psychology Review 2007;19:65-83. doi: 10.1007/s10648-007-9042-7

Azizi A, Alaei A, Valaei N, Bagheri M. Comparison of theory-practical teaching method with practical-theory method on learning and student satisfaction in oral medicine. Research in Medicine 2014;38(3):145-147.

Khaghanizade M, Shokrollahi F. Using educational media and coeducational instruments in teaching. Education Strategies in Medical Sciences 2009;2(3):127-130.

Kazoka D, Pilmane M. 3D dissection tools in Anatomage supported interactive human anatomy teaching and learning. EDP Sciences; 2019:02015. doi: 10.1051/shsconf/20196802015

McLachlan JC, Patten D. Anatomy teaching: ghosts of the past, present and future. Medical Education 2006;40(3):243-253. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2929.2006.02401.x

Triepels C, Koppes D, Van Kuijk S, et al. Medical students' perspective on training in anatomy. Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger 2018;217:60-65. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2018.01.006

Zilverschoon M, Vincken KL, Bleys RL. The virtual dissecting room: Creating highly detailed anatomy models for educational purposes. Journal of Biomedical Informatics 2017;65:58-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jbi.2016.11.005

Hoyek N, Collet C, Di Rienzo F, De Almeida M, Guillot A. Effectiveness of three‐dimensional digital animation in teaching human anatomy in an authentic classroom context. Anatomical Sciences Education 2014;7(6):430-437. doi: 10.1002/ase.1446

Chytas D, Salmas M, Noussios G, et al. Do virtual dissection tables add benefit to cadaver-based anatomy education? An evaluation. Morphologie 2023;107(356):1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.morpho.2022.01.002

Lewis T, Burnett B, Tunstall R, Abrahams P. Complementing anatomy education using three‐dimensional anatomy mobile software applications on tablet computers. Clinical Anatomy 2014;27(3):313-320. doi: 10.1002/ca.22256

Berney S, Bétrancourt M, Molinari G, Hoyek N. How spatial abilities and dynamic visualizations interplay when learning functional anatomy with 3D anatomical models. Anatomical Sciences Education 2015;8(5):452-462. doi: 10.1002/ase.1524

Custer TM, Michael K. The utilization of the anatomage virtual dissection table in the education of imaging science students. Journal of Tomography & Simulation 2015;1.

Anand MK, Singel T. A comparative study of learning with "anatomage" virtual dissection table versus traditional dissection method in neuroanatomy. Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology 2017;4(2):177-80.

Afsharpour S. Analysis of immediate student outcomes following a change in gross anatomy laboratory teaching methodology Reply. Journal of Chiropractic Education 2018;32(2):159-159. doi: 10.7899/JCE-17-7

Bork F, Stratmann L, Enssle S, et al. The benefits of an augmented reality magic mirror system for integrated radiology teaching in gross anatomy. Anatomical Sciences Education 2019;12(6):585-598. doi: 10.1002/ase.1864

Alasmari WA. Medical students' feedback of applying the virtual dissection table (anatomage) in learning anatomy: a cross-sectional descriptive study. Advances in Medical Education and Practice 2021:1303-1307. doi: 10.2147/AMEP.S324520

Brown J, Stonelake S, Anderson W, et al. Medical Student Perception of Anatomage-A 3D Interactive Anatomy Dissection Table: 0938. International Journal of Surgery 2015;23:S17-S18. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.07.053

Fyfe G, Fyfe S, Dye D. Use of Anatomage tables in a large first year core unit. Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education; 2013:298-302. doi: 10.14742/apubs.2013.1501

Downloads

Published

2026-05-02

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Comparative Study of Traditional and Virtual Methods in Teaching Anatomy to Students. (2026). Shahroud Journal of Medical Sciences, 12(2), 4-7. https://doi.org/10.22100/ijhs.v12i2.1313