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Mammalian Genome : Official Journal of... Sep 2023The laboratory mouse is the foremost mammalian model used for studying human diseases and is closely anatomically related to humans. Whilst knowledge about human anatomy... (Review)
Review
The laboratory mouse is the foremost mammalian model used for studying human diseases and is closely anatomically related to humans. Whilst knowledge about human anatomy has been collected throughout the history of mankind, the first comprehensive study of the mouse anatomy was published less than 60 years ago. This has been followed by the more recent publication of several books and resources on mouse anatomy. Nevertheless, to date, our understanding and knowledge of mouse anatomy is far from being at the same level as that of humans. In addition, the alignment between current mouse and human anatomy nomenclatures is far from being as developed as those existing between other species, such as domestic animals and humans. To close this gap, more in depth mouse anatomical research is needed and it will be necessary to extent and refine the current vocabulary of mouse anatomical terms.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Anatomy, Comparative; Animals, Domestic; Mammals
PubMed: 37421464
DOI: 10.1007/s00335-023-10005-4 -
BMC Medical Education Feb 2022Anatomy education in US medical schools has seen numerous changes since the call for medical education reform in 2010. The purpose of this study was to survey US medical...
BACKGROUND
Anatomy education in US medical schools has seen numerous changes since the call for medical education reform in 2010. The purpose of this study was to survey US medical schools to assess recent trends in anatomy education, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anatomy teaching, and future directions of medical school anatomy curricula.
METHODS
We sent a 29-item survey to anatomy course directors of 145 AAMC-associated allopathic medical schools inquiring about their schools' anatomy curricula. The survey contained objective discrete questions concerning the curricula changes preceding COVID-19 and those directly related to COVID-19. We also asked subjective and open-ended questions about the impact of COVID-19 and future directions of anatomy education.
RESULTS
A total of 117/143 course directors (82%) completed the survey. Most schools (60%) reported a major change to their anatomy course within the past five years, including a decrease in total course time (20%), integration of anatomy into other courses (19%), and implementation of a "flipped classroom" (15%) teaching style. Due to COVID-19, there was a decrease in the fraction of course time dedicated to "hands-on" learning (p < 0.01) and teaching of clinical correlates (p = 0.02) and radiology (p < 0.01). Most course directors (79%) reported that COVID-19 had a negative impact on quality of learning due to decreased interactive or in-person (62%) learning and lack of dissection (44%). Incorporation of virtual-reality applications or 3D anatomy software (23%) and a decrease in cadaver dissection (13%) were the most common future anticipated changes.
CONCLUSION
The constraints conferred by COVID-19 highlight the importance of maximizing interactive learning in the discipline of anatomy. In an era of social distancing and decreased emphasis on conventional anatomy dissection, adaptations of new technologies and teaching modalities may allow for traditional educational rigor to be sustained.
Topics: Anatomy; COVID-19; Curriculum; Education, Medical; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Schools, Medical
PubMed: 35172819
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03177-1 -
BioMed Research International 2019Development of modern surgical techniques is associated with the need for a thorough knowledge of surgical anatomy and, in the case of ophthalmologic surgery, also... (Review)
Review
Development of modern surgical techniques is associated with the need for a thorough knowledge of surgical anatomy and, in the case of ophthalmologic surgery, also functional aspects of extraocular muscles. Thus, the leading idea of this review was to summarize the most recent findings regarding the normal anatomy and anomalies of the extraocular rectus muscles (ERMs). Particular attention was paid to the presentation of detailed and structured data on the gross anatomy of the ERMs, including their attachments, anatomical relationships, vascularization, and innervation. This issue of ERMs innervation was presented in detail, considering the research that has recently been carried out on human material using advanced anatomical techniques such as Sihler's technique of the nerves staining. The text was supplemented with a carefully selected graphic material (including anatomical specimens prepared specially for the purpose of this review) and discussion of the clinical cases and practical significance of the presented issues.
Topics: Anatomy; Coloring Agents; Eye; Humans; Oculomotor Muscles; Oculomotor Nerve; Staining and Labeling
PubMed: 31976329
DOI: 10.1155/2019/8909162 -
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.) Jan 2022The social distancing measures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in the migration of human anatomy lessons to virtual platforms. Even student...
The social distancing measures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in the migration of human anatomy lessons to virtual platforms. Even student communities have had to relocate online. The virtual replacement of visual-spatial and social elements, essential for studying anatomy, has posed particular challenges for educators. Our department used Microsoft Teams, an online communication platform, in conjunction with Visible Body, a 3D anatomical modeling program, EdiErmes online resources, and Leica Acquire for teaching microscopic anatomy. We delivered about 160 h of both synchronous and asynchronous lessons for students on the medical degree program per academic year. In this study, we compare face-to-face and distance teaching in order to define these different approaches better and to evaluate the final student scores. The aim is to debate the relevance of distance learning pedagogy to the design of new online anatomy teaching courses and the development of online learning. Analysis of the final scores showed that anatomy examinations after the online course had a statistically significantly higher average value than those obtained at the end of the face-to-face course. The experience at the University of Genoa shows that distance learning in the teaching of human anatomy was perceived by most students as useful and positive. Distance learning can be an effective support for anatomy teaching, facilitating a different mode of learning in which lessons and study are more sensitive to the individual's schedule and needs. Of course, we should not and cannot exclude face-to-face teaching.
Topics: Anatomy; COVID-19; Curriculum; Education, Distance; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34704281
DOI: 10.1002/ca.23805 -
Anatomical Sciences Education Mar 2022At the end of 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic spread caused restrictions in business and social spheres. Higher education was also severely affected: universities and... (Review)
Review
At the end of 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic spread caused restrictions in business and social spheres. Higher education was also severely affected: universities and medical schools moved online to distance learning and laboratory facilities closed. Questions arise about the long-term effects of this pandemic on anatomical education. In this systematic review, the authors investigated whether or not anatomical educators were able to deliver anatomical knowledge during this pandemic. They also discuss the challenges that anatomical education has faced over the last year. The search strategy was conducted between July 2020 and July 2021. Two hundred and one records were identified, and a total of 79 studies were finally included. How best to deliver anatomy to students remains a moot point. In the last years, the advent of new technologies has raised the question of the possible overcoming of dissection as the main instrument in anatomical education. The Covid-19 pandemic further sharpened the debate. Remote learning enhanced the use of technologies other than cadaveric dissection to teach anatomy. Moreover, from the analyzed records it appears that both from students' perspective as well as teachers' there is a clear tear between those who endorse dissection and those who believe it could be easily overcome or at least integrated by virtual reality and online learning. The authors strongly believe that the best anatomy teaching practice requires the careful adaptation of resources and methods. Nevertheless, they support cadaveric dissection and hope that it will not be replaced entirely as a result of this pandemic.
Topics: Anatomy; COVID-19; Curriculum; Education, Distance; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Students, Medical; Teaching
PubMed: 34890477
DOI: 10.1002/ase.2162 -
Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal... 2021The knowledge of Anatomy during the Ottoman domination in Greece has not been widely studied. Medical knowledge of the time can be retrieved from folk and erudite books... (Review)
Review
The knowledge of Anatomy during the Ottoman domination in Greece has not been widely studied. Medical knowledge of the time can be retrieved from folk and erudite books called Iatrosophia. The majority of these books focused on empirical diagnostics and therapeutics. However, a small quota of these Iatrosophia includes important information about anatomy. The interest in anatomy appears only after the Neohellenic Enlightenment (1750-1821) and has been associated to the scholarly background of the 1821 revolution against the Ottomans. At the same time, anatomy has been discussed by various authors in diverse contexts. All in all, it appears that a consensus on the importance of anatomy has been established among Greek scholars in the late 18th century, leading to the translation of current anatomical knowledge to the contemporary language and literature.
Topics: Anatomy; Greece; History of Medicine; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; Humans
PubMed: 33721429
DOI: No ID Found -
Anatomical Sciences Education May 2021Interest in spatial ability has grown over the past few decades following the emergence of correlational evidence associating spatial aptitude with educational... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Interest in spatial ability has grown over the past few decades following the emergence of correlational evidence associating spatial aptitude with educational performance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The research field at large and the anatomy education literature on this topic are mixed. In an attempt to generate consensus, a meta-analysis was performed to objectively summarize the effects of spatial ability on anatomy assessment performance across multiple studies and populations. Relevant studies published within the past 50 years (1969-2019) were retrieved from eight databases. Study eligibility screening was followed by a full-text review and data extraction. Use of the Mental Rotations Test (MRT) was required for study inclusion. Out of 2,450 screened records, 15 studies were meta-analyzed. Seventy-three percent of studies (11 of 15) were from the United States and Canada, and the majority (9 of 15) studied professional students. Across 15 studies and 1,245 participants, spatial ability was weakly associated with anatomy performance (r = 0.240; CI at 95% = 0.09, 0.38; P = 0.002). Performance on spatial and relationship-based assessments (i.e., practical assessments and drawing tasks) was correlated with spatial ability, while performance on assessments utilizing non-spatial multiple-choice items was not correlated with spatial ability. A significant sex difference was also observed, wherein males outperformed females on spatial ability tasks. Given the role of spatial reasoning in learning anatomy, educators are encouraged to consider curriculum delivery modifications and a comprehensive assessment strategy so as not to disadvantage individuals with low spatial ability.
Topics: Anatomy; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Educational Measurement; Female; Humans; Male; Spatial Navigation; Students, Medical
PubMed: 33124194
DOI: 10.1002/ase.2029 -
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA Apr 2021
Topics: Anatomy; Cadaver; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Humans
PubMed: 33743033
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-021-02737-2 -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Oct 2023De Blasio's research focuses on the anthropology of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His investigations extend from criminalistics to ancient mummies, driven by...
De Blasio's research focuses on the anthropology of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His investigations extend from criminalistics to ancient mummies, driven by his passion for archaeology and human history. He delves into the intricate relationship between anatomy and the human psyche, intertwining disciplines like archaeology, anthropology, and history. His examination of ancient human remains, though lacking modern tools, reveals insights into embalming practices and cultural beliefs. De Blasio's interest in craniology leads to the exploration of cranial deformations, considering as cultural factors. By connecting anthropology with psychology, he questions the cognitive effects of cranial deformations and even associates certain traits with skull morphology. This interplay showcases his ability to merge natural and cultural sciences, offering unique perspectives on human development and cultural practices.
Topics: Male; Humans; Anthropology; Archaeology; Skull; Embalming
PubMed: 37850758
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94i5.15154 -
Cortex; a Journal Devoted To the Study... Sep 2019Neuroimaging has a lot to offer comparative neuroscience. Although invasive "gold standard" techniques have a better spatial resolution, neuroimaging allows fast,... (Review)
Review
Neuroimaging has a lot to offer comparative neuroscience. Although invasive "gold standard" techniques have a better spatial resolution, neuroimaging allows fast, whole-brain, repeatable, and multi-modal measurements of structure and function in living animals and post-mortem tissue. In the past years, comparative neuroimaging has increased in popularity. However, we argue that its most significant potential lies in its ability to collect large-scale datasets of many species to investigate principles of variability in brain organisation across whole orders of species-an ambition that is presently unfulfilled but achievable. We briefly review the current state of the field and explore what the current obstacles to such an approach are. We propose some calls to action.
Topics: Anatomy, Comparative; Animals; Brain; Brain Mapping; Humans; Nerve Net; Neuroimaging; Neurosciences
PubMed: 30661736
DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2018.11.028