Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
17:13
Exploring Deep Space - Uncovering the Anatomy of Periventricular Structures to Reveal the Lateral Ventricles of the Human Brain
Published on: October 22, 2017
Team-based learning methods in teaching topographical anatomy by dissection
Annette W Burgess1, George Ramsey-Stewart, James May
1Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|May 18, 2012
Summary
Team-based learning (TBL) significantly improved topographical anatomy knowledge in medical students through cadaver dissection. This method enhances learning without requiring more instructors for large groups.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Anatomy
- Pedagogy
Background:
- Human topographical anatomy dissection is a long-standing medical education method.
- The specific mechanisms of its effectiveness are not well understood.
- Traditional dissection methods may not be fully optimized for current educational needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of team-based learning (TBL) in a whole body dissection anatomy course for senior medical students.
- To evaluate knowledge acquisition and retention using TBL principles.
- To understand student perceptions of TBL's impact on learning.
Main Methods:
- A 7-week elective anatomy course utilizing TBL principles was implemented for 42 senior medical students.
- Knowledge acquisition was measured through pre- and post-course assessments.
- Student feedback was gathered via questionnaire on TBL components.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in topographical anatomical knowledge was observed (P < 0.001).
- Median pre-course scores were 9/20, rising to 19.5/20 post-course.
- Students strongly agreed that TBL principles (small groups, instructor-led grouping, assessments, competition, preparation) enhanced knowledge acquisition.
Conclusions:
- TBL methodology effectively facilitates small-group dissection experiences for large student cohorts without proportional increases in teaching staff.
- The TBL approach leads to effective acquisition of topographical anatomical knowledge.
- This method appears superior to previous anatomy teaching techniques for knowledge acquisition.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Anatomical Terminology
Knowledge of anatomy is essential to understand human biology and medicine. Anatomists and health care professionals use standard terminology to describe the human body with more precision and no ambiguity. Anatomical terms have mostly Greek and Latin-derived roots. Because these languages are rarely used in conversation, the meaning of words remains the same. Each term is made up of a root in between the prefixes and suffixes. The root of a term often refers to an organ, tissue, or condition,...
01:25Methods of Obtaining Topography
Topography involves measuring and mapping land elevations, natural features, and artificial structures to create accurate representations of the terrain. Topographic surveying relies on traditional and modern methods, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Traditional Surveying Methods:Transit stadia surveys and plane table surveys were widely used traditional surveying methods. These techniques relied on instruments like theodolites and stadia rods for measuring distances and angles,...
01:06Body Planes
Body planes in anatomy are imaginary flat surfaces used as reference points to divide the body into sections for anatomical study. These planes are essential for understanding the orientation, relationships, and spatial organization of anatomical structures.
The sagittal plane is the plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body resulting in equal division, it is called the midsagittal or median...
The sagittal plane is the plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body resulting in equal division, it is called the midsagittal or median...
01:17Gross Anatomy of Bone
The two main features of a long bone are the diaphysis and the epiphysis.
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...