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Cadaver Computed Tomography: Virtual dissection as a tool for teaching anatomy
Author(s) -
Ellozy Sharif H,
Lerner Susan M,
Reidenberg Joy S,
Weintraub Joshua L,
Lefkovitz Zvi,
Marin Michael L,
Laitman Jeffrey T
Publication year - 2009
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.23.1_supplement.480.4
Subject(s) - cadaver , dissection (medical) , medicine , sagittal plane , gross anatomy , anatomy , surface anatomy , coronal plane , dicom , radiology , computed tomography , medical physics
Traditionally, cadaver dissection has been the mainstay of anatomy instruction. However, as clinical medicine becomes more image driven, familiarity with cross‐sectional anatomy is crucial. Additionally, introducing clinical correlates in the preclinical years of medical education is essential in generating student enthusiasm. In order to facilitate these goals high resolution computed tomography was performed on all cadavers used in the first year anatomy class. Axial, sagittal, coronal and 3D volume rendered reconstructions were performed. Specific reconstructions of bony structures, aerodigestive tract, and vascular system were also done. All of the CT scans were read by a radiologist and findings recorded. Students were then given access to all of the studies and instructed on how to use a DICOM viewer. Images from reconstructions were included on their examinations, and part of the students' final grade came from a team building exercise using the CT images. The applicability of this tool to clinical medicine is twofold: 1) it introduces students to cross sectional imaging; and 2) it allows students to identify variant anatomy, post‐surgical changes, and pathology prior to dissection. Unlike other anatomy correlates such as the Visible Human, these reconstructions are of the students' own cadaver, and provide a permanent resource to the student long after the dissection is completed. Grant Funding Source n/a