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Three‐dimensional neuroanatomy: visualization of structure and function in the nervous system
Author(s) -
Freeman Barbara Kent,
Sher Andrew,
Wrenn Gregg
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.2_supplement.4
Subject(s) - neuroanatomy , visualization , resource (disambiguation) , software , computer science , function (biology) , multimedia , human–computer interaction , medical education , psychology , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , medicine , biology , computer network , evolutionary biology , programming language
Students learning neuroanatomy are faced with learning the properties of a three‐dimensional dynamic system using two‐dimensional static images from standard medical textbooks. In addition, medical students in particular must be able to apply such information to the clinical setting. The difficulty of learning this material inspired two medical students to conceive and prototype a web‐based learning resource that features three‐dimensional, interactive animations which follow each of the major sensory and motor tracts of the central nervous system from origin to termination and demonstrate the functional consequences of specific lesions. Students and faculty have come together to create this resource. A group of second‐year medical students, having recently completed a brief neuroscience module, participated in two surveys. First, we gauged their interest in software that could change the way they learned neuroanatomy. After completing that survey, they were given access to the prototype software described herein. Finally, we attempted to ascertain their reactions and gather feedback via a focus group and an online survey. Overall, they indicated this software was a major improvement over existing neuroanatomy teaching methods.