A shortage of cadavers: The predicament of regional anatomy education in mainland China

Abstract

Both in mainland China and around the world, regional anatomy stands as one of the most important basic science courses in medical school curricula. As such, dissection of human cadavers and use of prosected specimens remains the most essential teaching method in anatomy education. However, medical educators have raised increasing concerns about an ongoing shortage of cadavers for medical use in mainland China, a problem which may seriously limit the future development of human anatomy education. Based on a survey on cadaver usage in anatomy education in mainland China, this study found that the cadaver resources of most given medical schools in mainland China are associated with their geographic location, academic ranking, and local support for body donation policies. Effective measures to alleviate this shortage of cadavers may include future efforts to promote national-level body donation legislation, broader acceptance of body donation among Chinese citizens, and an efficient and humane protocol for body donation. Anat Sci Educ 11: 397-402. © 2018 American Association of Anatomists.

Computerized anatomy of the distal radius and its relevance to volar plating, research, and teaching

“…When transferred to fracture fixation setup of the distal radius, CAE could be utilized to assess anatomical features relevant for volar plating of the distal radius. Further, we consider CAE to be a safe and effective procedure for the following reasons: They allow for data (e.g., image data or database information) to be reused and therefore the amount of body donations to be reduced (Messmer et al, ; Chen et al, ; Lee et al, ), do not expose people to harmful incidents [e.g., needlestick injuries (Chambers et al, )] and provide a new learning environment (Hopkins et al, ). Since performed virtually, all procedures can be constantly repeated and adapted, if required.…”

Evaluating phone camera and cloud service-based 3D imaging and printing of human bones for anatomical education

“…Full-body dissection has served as a ‘gold standard’ in anatomic science education for centuries,1 2 as direct cadaver dissection facilitates the observation and exploration of anatomical details and provides an experience of tactile sensation comparable to the physical examination of a living body. However, owing to the insufficiency of donated bodies and the high cost of maintaining cadavers, the availability of real human cadavers for medical students worldwide is low 3–6. Thanks to progress achieved in multimedia technology, new teaching/learning methods have emerged and have been evaluated as substitutes for the traditional cadaver-based medical training in the recent years 7.…”

A Hands‐On Organ‐Slicing Activity to Teach the Cross‐Sectional Anatomy

“…Human anatomy is divided into two phases: systemic and regional anatomy. The former introduces the structure and function of human tissues, organs, and systems, and the latter deals with regions of the body, especially the topography, location, and relationships of organs within certain regions (Zhuo et al, 2017; Chen et al, 2018). Both systemic and regional anatomy phases are accomplished in two continuous semesters in the first or second year of medical curriculum.…”

“…Both systemic and regional anatomy phases are accomplished in two continuous semesters in the first or second year of medical curriculum. Cadaveric dissection is regarded as the cornerstone of anatomical education (Chen et al, 2018). Recently, anatomical education has undergone rapid change.…”