An interactive three‐dimensional virtual body structures system for anatomical training over the internet

Abstract

The Visible Human digital datasets make it possible to develop computer-based anatomical training systems that use virtual anatomical models (virtual body structures-VBS). Medical schools are combining these virtual training systems and classical anatomy teaching methods that use labeled images and cadaver dissection. In this paper we present a customizable web-based three-dimensional anatomy training system, W3D-VBS. W3D-VBS uses National Library of Medicine's (NLM) Visible Human Male datasets to interactively locate, explore, select, extract, highlight, label, and visualize, realistic 2D (using axial, coronal, and sagittal views) and 3D virtual structures. A real-time self-guided virtual tour of the entire body is designed to provide detailed anatomical information about structures, substructures, and proximal structures. The system thus facilitates learning of visuospatial relationships at a level of detail that may not be possible by any other means. The use of volumetric structures allows for repeated real-time virtual dissections, from any angle, at the convenience of the user. Volumetric (3D) virtual dissections are performed by adding, removing, highlighting, and labeling individual structures (and/or entire anatomical systems). The resultant virtual explorations (consisting of anatomical 2D/3D illustrations and animations), with user selected highlighting colors and label positions, can be saved and used for generating lesson plans and evaluation systems. Tracking users' progress using the evaluation system helps customize the curriculum, making W3D-VBS a powerful learning tool. Our plan is to incorporate other Visible Human segmented datasets, especially datasets with higher resolutions, that make it possible to include finer anatomical structures such as nerves and small vessels.

Enhancement of temporal bone anatomy learning with computer 3D rendered imaging softwares

“…As such, many teachers have proposed the use of these virtual 3D models as a teaching tool for temporal bone anatomy (Wiet et al 2005;Temkin et al 2006;Smith et al 2007).…”

“…We hypothesized that interactive 3D models could assist undergraduate and graduate students in learning the complex spatial anatomy of the temporal bone, as demonstrated in other organs (Temkin et al 2006;Gangata 2008;Silen et al 2008;Crossingham et al 2009). By assessing the marks of the students at the final examination, we investigated if helping the mental representation of 3D structure could improve their knowledge of temporal bone anatomy.…”

The virtual anatomy laboratory: Usability testing to improve an online learning resource for anatomy education

“…Digital online resources are making up an increasingly greater percentage of study tools for students of the anatomical sciences (McNulty et al, 2000;Greenhalgh, 2001;Huang and Huang, 2003;Huang, 2004;Foreman et al, 2005;Granger et al, 2006;Temkin et al, 2006;Spitzer and Schertzinger, 2006;O'Byrne et al, 2008). Many of these resources are also being incorporated as important parts of curriculum and course design in undergraduate programs and in medical, dental, and other professional schools, rather than simply as supplemental resources (Sullivan and Harden, 2005;Su, 2008;Khan et al, 2008;Khogali et al, 2011).…”

The development of interactive online learning tools for the study of Anatomy

“…anatomy.tv (Primal Pictures), Anatomy & Physiology Revealed (McGraw-Hill), W3D-VBS (Temkin et al 2006) and the Visible Human Project (Spitzer & Scherzinger 2006)] already exists in the educational marketplace? The commercially-available programs are indeed excellent educational tools that pride themselves on providing very high levels of anatomical detail.…”