Medical Students’ Feedback of Applying the Virtual Dissection Table (Anatomage) in Learning Anatomy: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

OBJECTIVE: Conventional cadaver dissection is the main learning tool for studying human anatomy. Other tools have been developed to add another dimension of depth to anatomy teaching, such as Anatomage. 3D Anatomage is a touch interactive anatomy virtual dissection table used in anatomy education. The aim of this study was to address students’ opinions on applying the virtual dissection table (3D Anatomage) as an additional tool to cadaver dissection in learning anatomy. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire consisted of 6 questions that included items regarding the effect of using 3D Anatomage on students’ deep understanding of anatomy topics, the locations and relationships of the different internal body structures and the application of anatomical knowledge. The survey was completed by 78 medical students. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the majority of students preferred using 3D Anatomage as an additional tool to cadaver dissection for learning anatomy since it enhances active learning, and approximately 89% of students agreed that 3D Anatomage helped them to better understand the relationships between internal structures and visualizing the body system. Additionally, approximately 72% of the students indicated that the imaging facility in 3D Anatomage was useful for enabling their understanding of anatomy as it is envisioned through medical imaging. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, using the 3D Anatomage virtual dissection table is effective in anatomy education, and its use is recommended as an anatomy learning resource in addition to cadavers.