Magnetic resonance microscopy versus light microscopy in human embryology teaching

Abstract

A study was carried out on the application of magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) in teaching prenatal human development. Human embryos measuring 8 mm, 15 mm, 18.5 mm, and 22 mm were fixed in a 4% paraformaldehyde solution and sections obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared to those prepared for light microscopy (LM), using the same embryos. The MRM and LM slices were of a similar quality. In the MRM sections, embryonic organs and systems were clearly visible, particularly the peripheral and central nervous systems, and the cardiovascular and digestive systems. The digitalization and clarity of the MRM images make them an ideal teaching aid that is suitable for students during the first years of a health-science degree, particularly medicine. As well as providing students with their first experience of MRM, these images allow students to access, at any time, all embryos used, to assess changes in the positions of different organs throughout their stages of development, and to acquire spatial vision, an absolute requirement in the study of human anatomy. We recommend that this technique be incorporated into the wealth of standard embryonic teaching methods already in use.

Developmental atlas of the early first trimester human embryo

“…We note embryology is often minimally covered in medical education (less than 20 hours; (Drake et al, 2002). This web accessible Human Embryo Atlas should serve as a valuable tutorial of human embryology (Watt et al, 1996; Aiton et al, 1997; Carlson, 2002; Puerta-Fonolla et al, 2004; Arroyo-Jimenez Mdel et al, 2005; Yamada et al, 2006), especially as more detailed annotation of the atlas is developed. To this end, we have constructed the Human Embryo Atlas website with a function for users to propose new annotations or revisions of existing annotations.…”

Advances in the Study of Fetal Development: From Descriptive to Dynamic Embryology

“…Especially, web-accessible human embryo atlases should serve as valuable tutorials of human developmental anatomy. 19,[36][37][38][39][40] Some website has an interactive function for users to propose new annotations or revisions of existing contents to make it a more accurate and valuable tool for research and education. 17…”

Graphic and movie illustrations of human prenatal development and their application to embryological education based on the human embryo specimens in the Kyoto collection

“…Various attempts have been made to develop novel teaching methods for embryology, including computer-assisted or Web-based learning (Watt et al, 1996;Aiton et al, 1997;Carlson, 2002;Puerta-Fonolla et al, 2004;Arroyo-Jimenez Mdel et al, 2005). In those programs, animations and morphing techniques greatly help students understand the dynamic developmental processes in which 3D morphological changes take place over time.…”