Using 3D Modeling Techniques to Enhance Teaching of Difficult Anatomical Concepts

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: Anatomy is an essential component of medical education as it is critical for the accurate diagnosis in organs and human systems. The mental representation of the shape and organization of different anatomical structures is a crucial step in the learning process. The purpose of this pilot study is to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of developing innovative teaching modules for anatomy education of first-year medical students based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions from actual patient data.

Materials and methods: A total of 196 models of anatomical structures from 16 anonymized computed tomography datasets were generated using the 3D Slicer open-source software platform. The models focused on three anatomical areas: the mediastinum, the upper abdomen, and the pelvis. Online optional quizzes were offered to first-year medical students to assess their comprehension in the areas of interest. Specific tasks were designed for students to complete using the 3D models.

Results: Scores of the quizzes confirmed a lack of understanding of 3D spatial relationships of anatomical structures despite standard instruction including dissection. Written task material and qualitative review by students suggested that interaction with 3D models led to a better understanding of the shape and spatial relationships among structures, and helped illustrate anatomical variations from one body to another.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates the feasibility of one possible approach to the generation of 3D models of the anatomy from actual patient data. The educational materials developed have the potential to supplement the teaching of complex anatomical regions and help demonstrate the anatomical variation among patients.

Keywords: 3D visualization; anatomy; open-source software.

Figure 1

Abdomen quiz. The figure shows examples of questions from the online abdomen quiz that was offered to first-year medical students to assess their comprehension in the areas of interest. The associated screenshots show 3D models of the abdominal structures of two different cases: Q5 : abdominal aorta and its branches (red), liver (dark yellow) and gallbladder (light yellow) ; Q6 : stomach (dark yellow), duodenum (light yellow), abdominal aorta and its branches (red), inferior vena cava (blue), hepatic vein (blue), kidney (light pink), and spleen (light purple).

Figure 2

3D anatomical models of the mediastinum. The figure displays the airways (blue), the pulmonary artery (pink) and the esophagus (yellow). The opacity of the aorta (red) has been lowered in order to facilitate the visualization of posterior structures. These models were created by the senior radiologist and programmer over several weeks.

Figure 3

3D anatomical models of the upper abdomen. The figure displays the liver (dark yellow), stomach (brown), esophagus (light yellow), spleen (light purple), pancreas (dark pink) and air-filled bowel (cyan), along with the aorta (red), inferior vena cava (blue) and portal vein (blue). The opacity of the bowel has been lowered to allow deeper structures to become visible. These models were created by two fourth-year medical students.

Figure 4

Pelvis workshop tasks. The figure shows a set of representative tasks for first-year students from the pelvis workshop. The associated screenshots show 3D models of corresponding anatomical structures in a female case and in a male case.

Figure 5

3D models of the abdomen. The figure displays the liver (brown), stomach (orange), gall-bladder (yellow), spleen (dark purple), kidney (light purple) and pancreas (pink) together with major vessels and bones. (5a) Examples of 3D views (5b and 5c) of these structures that were generated by rotating the models with the 3D Slicer software platform. The models were created by a fourth year medical student over the course of an elective month in radiology.

Figure 6

3D models of the liver. The figure shows the anatomical shape variations of the liver (brown) among four different patients. The aorta (red) and inferior vena cava (blue) are displayed for anatomical reference.