A Kinetic Model for Learning Gross Anatomy

Many different types of visual aids have been proven valuable in teaching gross anatomy. Diagrams, illustrations, cadavers, and physical models are all common teaching aids in gross anatomy courses. While these types of visual aids are quite useful for identifying structures or understanding one structure's spatial relationship to another, these visual aids are incapable of demonstrating movement, a concept that is critical to understanding the practical applications of gross anatomy. In order to create a model capable of demonstrating movement, knowledge of concepts from disciplines including design, sculpture, architecture, and simple physics should be employed. Using this interdisciplinary approach to demonstrate movement allows for more valuable tools for learning and teaching gross anatomy. In order to test this concept, a design for an interactive kinetic model of the canine thoracic limb was created. Once a basic design for the model was conceived, many different materials were tested for their ability to mimic anatomical structures such as bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These materials were then used to build a model complete with simulations of all relevant anatomical structures involved in movement. Once a preliminary iteration of the model was successfully constructed, students enrolled in Biomedical Anatomy at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences were provided multiple opportunities to interact with the model. Observing the students’ interactions with the model gave us the opportunity to evaluate the design's ability to visually demonstrate proper movement of the thoracic limb. This preliminary iteration of the model, while valuable in proving the capabilities of the design, also proved some of the materials were inadequate. A second iteration of the model was then constructed using new, more durable, materials. Students were again allowed and encouraged to interact with the model, even using the model to complete an in‐lab assignment. After interacting with the model and being allowed access to the model for studying purposes, outside of assigned lab and lecture periods, these students were asked to fill out an anonymous questionnaire evaluating their perceived efficiency of the model as a tool for learning. Analysis of these questionnaires revealed that the vast majority of students found the model helpful with at least one concept related to movement. Further iterations of this kinetic model will include improvements to movement capabilities and material durability. Kinetic models for other relevant areas such as the pelvic limb, as well as models for equine, bovine, caprine, and other species are possible areas of research for the kinetic anatomical model. Support or Funding Information TAMU Summer 2012 Faculty Institute “Flipping Your Course”