Anatomy Educational Advances: From a Third Dimension to a New Frontier ‐ Virtual Reality

Abstract

Why has anatomy always been the ‘mother of invention’ in the domain of medical education? Our discipline sets trends across science and medical/health education that show no signs of abating. We recently developed the concept of capturing 3D data from human cadaveric specimens and human radiographic data and converting them into coloured file formats for 3D printing. Whilst 3D printing technology allows us to print very accurate high fidelity single material 3D replicas of anatomy we have identified some limitations including lack of haptic realism and cost issues that are limiting the exposure to a global audience. To this end we have been exploring ways of building a Virtual Reality (VR) Anatomy Laboratory where students can enter the VR lab and examine 3D data sets including the ability to enter body cavities and organs. The delivery is inexpensive and student responses have been overwhelmingly positive. This presentation will include examples of the VR experience and a discussion of the hurdles to creating these immersive experiences in the context of anatomy education. A early version of the VR lab Screen shot of view inside the skull showing cerebral vessels and dural venous sinuses This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.