Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
06:18
Mixed Reality Technology and Three-Dimensional Printing in Teaching: Heart Anatomy as an Example
Published on: April 18, 2025
Exploring 3D anatomy: A free online course supporting novice learner inquiry and spatial conceptualization
Jiayi Zhang1,2, Moksh Sachdeva1, Calum McCaig1
1School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Anatomical Sciences Education
|June 12, 2026
Summary
This study introduces "Exploring 3D Anatomy," an accessible online course enhancing medical students' spatial awareness using art-based methods. It highlights flexible, remote learning strategies for crucial anatomical education skills.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical Education
- Medical Training
- Spatial Awareness Development
Background:
- Three-dimensional anatomical knowledge is vital for medical practice and student training.
- Logistical barriers hinder the integration of spatial skills training into formal curricula.
- Existing anatomical education often neglects critical observation and spatial reasoning development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate learner perceptions of the pedagogical, social, and practical aspects of the "Exploring 3D Anatomy" online course.
- To assess the effectiveness of remote, art-based learning strategies in developing three-dimensional spatial awareness.
- To provide insights for educators on implementing flexible and accessible anatomical training.
Main Methods:
- A phenomenological study involving undergraduate medical students (n=8) at a UK medical school.
- Two focus groups were conducted to gather learner perceptions.
- Data analysis utilized double-coding and interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify key themes.
Main Results:
- Four nested themes emerged: Inquiry (Strategic-Exploratory), Dialogue (Knowledge-Understanding), Cognition (Compartmental-Conceptual), and Experience (Novice-Advanced).
- Learner perceptions revealed a spectrum of views on the course's pedagogical, social, and practical elements.
- The study identified insights into remote learning strategies for anatomical education.
Conclusions:
- "Exploring 3D Anatomy" offers a flexible and accessible remote learning solution for developing essential three-dimensional spatial awareness.
- The course's art-based pedagogical approach, including Haptico-visual observation and drawing, effectively supports anatomical learning.
- Findings inform educators on integrating neglected spatial skills training beyond traditional curricula using innovative strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
The skeletal system is the central framework of the body, consisting of different connective tissues: bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
01:24Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures. Some of these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed with the assistance of a microscope. Other larger structures can readily be seen, manipulated, measured, and weighed. The word "anatomy" comes from a Greek root that means "to cut apart." Human anatomy was first studied by observing the body's exterior and the wounds of soldiers and other injuries. Later, physicians were allowed to dissect the bodies of...
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...
01:20Anatomy of the Eyeball
The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle layer, the vascular tunic,...
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,...
01:15Depth Perception and Spatial Vision
Depth perception is the ability to perceive objects three-dimensionally. It relies on two types of cues: binocular and monocular. Binocular cues depend on the combination of images from both eyes and how the eyes work together. Since the eyes are in slightly different positions, each eye captures a slightly different image. This disparity between images, known as binocular disparity, helps the brain interpret depth. When the brain compares these images, it determines the distance to an object.