Application of 3D-printed pulmonary segment specimens in experimental teaching of sectional anatomy

BACKGROUND: Lung cross-section is one of the emphases and challenges in sectional anatomy. Identification of the complex arrangement of intrapulmonary tubes such as bronchi, arteries, and veins in the lungs requires the spatial imagination of students. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become increasingly used in anatomy education. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of 3D-printed specimens used for the experimental teaching of sectional anatomy. METHODS: A digital thoracic dataset was obtained and input into a 3D printer to print multicolor specimens of the pulmonary segment after software processing. As research subjects, 119 undergraduate students majoring in medical imaging from classes 5–8 in the second-year were chosen. In the lung cross-section experiment course, 59 students utilized 3D printed specimens in conjunction with traditional instruction as the study group, while 60 students received traditional teaching as the control group. Preclass and postclass tests, course grading, and questionnaire surveys were used to assess instructional efficacy. RESULTS: We obtained a set of pulmonary segment specimens for teaching. The students in the study group scored better in the postclass test than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the students in the study group scored higher in satisfaction with the teaching content and spatial thinking for sectional anatomy than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The course grades and excellence rates in the study group exceeded those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of high-precision multicolor 3D-printed specimens of lung segments in experimental teaching of sectional anatomy can improve teaching effectiveness and is worth adopting and promoting in sectional anatomy courses.