Experimental Biology 2020 Meeting Abstracts.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy
• Digital Health

Background:

• NYU School of Medicine redesigned its anatomy curriculum, reducing cadaver use and incorporating plastinated specimens.
• Plastinated specimens offer an authentic learning experience but lack essential structural labels.
• The fragility of specimens presented a challenge for traditional labeling methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a digitized supplement and archive for labeling plastinated and pathology specimens.
• To create interactive 3D anatomy models for enhanced student learning.
• To integrate digital resources into the anatomy curriculum for improved exploration and identification of anatomical structures.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary team captured 60 artistic and plastinated models using digital cameras and an Artec Leo Scanner.
• Photogrammetric processing in Agisoft Metashape generated 3D spatial data and high-resolution textures.
• Anatomy faculty labeled the digitized 3D models on the Sketchfab platform and uploaded them to the "Living Anatomy" site.

Main Results:

• Labeled 3D anatomy models were integrated into the learning management system for student access.
• Interactive 3D models allowed students to zoom, rotate, and explore specimens, enhancing engagement.
• 84% of students reported that the 3D models significantly contributed to their learning of anatomical relationships.

Conclusions:

• Digitized 3D models offer an interactive and enhanced alternative to observing fragile plastination specimens.
• The 3D models effectively support the learning of anatomical relationships and can be integrated into various curriculum modules.
• Future work will focus on further curriculum integration and assessing educational outcomes to refine instructional design.