Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 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
Framing anatomical variation in anatomy textbooks: Language use and its implications
An-Di Yim1,2, Matthew Schell3, Alexandra Zachwieja3
1Forensic Science Program, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.
Anatomical Sciences Education
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Anatomy textbooks frequently use negative language like "abnormal" to describe human variation, even when common or harmless. This framing can bias learners and needs reframing with neutral, prevalence-aware terms for inclusive understanding.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Linguistics
- Anatomy
Background:
- Anatomical variation is a natural aspect of human diversity.
- Current anatomy education may inadvertently perpetuate biased views of human variation.
- Linguistic framing in educational materials significantly influences learner perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the language used to describe anatomical variation in human anatomy textbooks.
- To quantify the frequency and context of terms like "abnormal," "variant," and "uncommon."
- To evaluate the impact of this linguistic framing on understanding human diversity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic content analysis of commonly used English-language human anatomy textbooks.
- Text mining to extract and quantify descriptors of anatomical variation.
- Qualitative evaluation of term context, prevalence, and functional implications.
Main Results:
- The term "abnormal" was used more frequently than neutral descriptors across textbooks.
- Negative descriptors were often applied to common, asymptomatic, or functionally insignificant variations.
- Textbook language consistently frames human variation as deviant or pathological.
Conclusions:
- Current textbook language reinforces biased notions of normality and pathology regarding human variation.
- This framing can shape learners' implicit assumptions about the human body.
- Reframing anatomical variation with neutral, prevalence-aware terminology is crucial for accurate and inclusive education.
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,...
01:24Overview 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...
01:12Regional Terms
Regional terms describe anatomy by dividing the body parts into different regions that contain structures involved in contributing similar functions. Using these terms helps increase the accurate description and identification of the particular region of interest or region affected by the disease.
Primarily, the human body has two major regions, the axial and appendicular regions. The axial region comprises regions from the head to the abdomen and makes up the central body axis. In contrast,...
Primarily, the human body has two major regions, the axial and appendicular regions. The axial region comprises regions from the head to the abdomen and makes up the central body axis. In contrast,...
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...
01:14Directional Terms
Directional terms are essential for describing the relative locations of different body structures. For instance, an anatomist might describe one band of tissue as "inferior to" another, or a physician might describe a tumor as "superficial to" a deeper body structure. These terms often use comparative terms in pairs to trace out the relative locations of one body part to another or descriptions of body tissues like the deeper ones from superficially present with reference to the body's upright...
01:11Anatomical Positions
In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...