Low-cost cold porcelain anatomical models: An affordable complementary teaching tool.

Area of Science:

• Anatomical Education
• Medical Training
• Material Science

Background:

• Human cadavers are essential for anatomy education but have limitations.
• Artificial models offer complementary teaching solutions, especially in resource-scarce environments.
• This study focuses on developing and evaluating handmade cold porcelain anatomical models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the creation of handmade cold porcelain anatomical models.
• To assess the acceptance and utility of these models among medical students.
• To explore their role as a complementary tool in anatomy education.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 70 first-year medical students.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis using an online Likert scale questionnaire and an open-ended question.
• Development of five distinct anatomical models using cold porcelain and resin.

Main Results:

• Students found the cold porcelain models easy to use and practical.
• The models were perceived as highly similar to human anatomy.
• Participants agreed that both cadavers and handmade models enhance learning and understanding, viewing the models as valuable complementary tools.

Conclusions:

• Handmade cold porcelain models democratize anatomy teaching through low cost and accessibility.
• These models allow for the reproducibility of anatomical structures for individual student learning.
• They serve as an important complementary resource for anatomy education, particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings.