Modeling and simulation of an anatomy teaching system

Xiaoqin Zhang,Shaoxiang Zhang,Jingyi Yang,Liwen Tan,Na Chen,Yifa Xu

doi:10.1186/s42492-019-0019-4

Xiaoqin Zhang, Shaoxiang Zhang + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42492-019-0019-4

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Abstract

Specimen observation and dissection have been regarded as the best approach to teach anatomy, but due to the severe lack of anatomical specimens in recent years, the quality of anatomy teaching has been seriously affected. In order to disseminate anatomical knowledge effectively under such circumstances, this study discusses three key factors (modeling, perception, and interaction) involved in constructing virtual anatomy teaching systems in detail. To ensure the authenticity, integrity, and accuracy of modeling, detailed three-dimensional (3D) digital anatomical models are constructed using multi-scale data, such as the Chinese Visible Human dataset, clinical imaging data, tissue sections, and other sources. The anatomical knowledge ontology is built according to the needs of the particular teaching purposes. Various kinds of anatomical knowledge and 3D digital anatomical models are organically combined to construct virtual anatomy teaching system by means of virtual reality equipment and technology. The perception of knowledge is realized by the Yi Chuang Digital Human Anatomy Teaching System that we have created. The virtual interaction mode, which is similar to actual anatomical specimen observation and dissection, can enhance the transmissibility of anatomical knowledge. This virtual anatomy teaching system captures the three key factors. It can provide realistic and reusable teaching resources, expand the new medical education model, and effectively improve the quality of anatomy teaching.

Highlights

Anatomy is one of the core courses in medical education, and it is a compulsory course for every medical student and for students in fields related to medicine
A virtual anatomy teaching system A complete virtual anatomy teaching system includes a variety of anatomical teaching materials, such as a human morphological three-dimensional (3D) model, an anatomical knowledge ontology, an anatomical specimen map, and a video of anatomical operations
The core content is the construction of 3D digital models, the perception of anatomical knowledge, and the interaction of systems and knowledge

Summary

Introduction

Anatomy is one of the core courses in medical education, and it is a compulsory course for every medical student and for students in fields related to medicine. A virtual simulation teaching system with only digital anatomical models can only transmit knowledge of morphology. It cannot express the anatomical knowledge refined by predecessors and the related physiological functions. The simulation models of the virtual anatomy teaching system constructed here contain 3D digital anatomical models of human morphological structure and anatomical knowledge ontology. In terms of knowledge interaction, the virtual anatomy teaching system uses the word, semantic association, and contrast approaches for quick selection, jumping, and multimode display. In terms of the interaction of 3D digital models, the virtual anatomy teaching system implements the display of shallow and deep structures, as well as the relationship between morphological structures, through display, concealment, and transparency. The use of specific combinations of models makes it possible to realize the display of local hierarchies and can be compared with dissection to guide students’ operations

Discussion

Conclusion