A Multimedia Dissection Module for Scalp, Meninges, and Dural Partitions

INTRODUCTION: For students beginning their medical education, the neuroscience curriculum is frequently seen as the most difficult, and many express an aversion to the topic. A major reason for this aversion amongst learners is the perceived complexity of neuroanatomy. By means of a video tutorial, this module aims to help students feel confident with the cadaveric dissection and identification of key anatomical structures as well as improve comprehension of associated clinical correlations presented for the scalp, meninges, and dural partitions. METHODS: The authors expanded upon an established neuroscience curriculum, designed for first-year medical students, with the addition of a dissection video tutorial. A survey was provided to all students for feedback. RESULTS: Of 36 students who participated in the survey, a majority (72%, n = 26) rated the video tutorial 5 out of 5 for helpfulness, and 53% (n = 19) rated the video 4 out of 5 for perceived confidence after viewing prior to the dissection. Most students viewed the tutorial only once prior to the dissection. DISCUSSION: This video tutorial focuses on the structures and clinical correlations related to the scalp, meninges, and dura; provides useful graphics for identification of checklisted structures for predissection preparation; and serves as a succinct step-by-step guide for the dissection and as a study aid for review. Its addition to the already established curriculum was well received by the student group, a majority of whom found it helpful and had a high level of perceived confidence prior to the start of the dissection.