Systematic analysis of anatomy virtual reality (VR) apps for advanced education and further applications

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) technology enables users to immerse themselves in computer-generated environments, providing experiences that are otherwise difficult to attain in real life. VR has expanded from gaming into diverse fields, even the medical sector. In medical education, VR is mainly employed for anatomy and surgical practice, enhancing the learning experience by offering three-dimensional visualization and interaction with human structures. This article compares various VR anatomical applications, including "VEDAVI VR Human Anatomy", "Sharecare YOU Anatomy", "Everyday Anatomy VR", "3D Organon VR Anatomy", "Anatomy Explorer 2020", and "Human Anatomy VR". The comparison focuses on several aspects: the functions of each application, the accuracy of anatomical descriptions of the models, the depiction of movement and functionality of human body parts, the expression of disease, and other practical considerations such as tutorials, convenience of operation and observation, pricing, and user-friendliness. This study aims to serve as a guide for practical use, recommending the most suitable VR applications for educational purposes in the medical field and providing suggestions for improvement based on the analysis.

Keywords: Advanced education; Anatomy lecture; Hybrid class; Medical education; Virtual reality.

Fig. 1

Utilization and comparison of various anatomical VR applications. (a) Teaching students about the structure of the heart using “Sharecare YOU Anatomy”. (b) Explaining patients’ symptoms using “3D Organon VR Anatomy”. (c) Comparing how each application expresses organs using the kidney model.

Fig. 2

The deep layer of erector spinae models in each anatomical VR application. The spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis muscles are observed with each part marked by black borderlines. Erector spinae in (a) “Everyday Anatomy VR”, (b) “3D Organon VR Anatomy”, (c) “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, and (d) “Human Anatomy VR”.

Fig. 3

The spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis muscles in each application are marked by arrows. (a) Spinalis in each application. (b) Longissimus in each application. (c) Iliocostalis in each application. (1): “Everyday Anatomy VR” & “3D Organon VR Anatomy”, (2): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, (3): “Human Anatomy VR”.

Fig. 4

Heart model in each application. (a) Anterior part of the heart. The right coronary artery is marked by an arrow. (b) Posterior part of the heart. (1): “Sharecare YOU Anatomy”, (2): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, (3): “Human Anatomy VR”, (4): “Everyday Anatomy VR”, (5): “3D Organon VR Anatomy”. (c) The adipose layer of the heart in (1): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, (2): “Human Anatomy VR”. (d) Heart blood image from “Sharecare YOU Anatomy”. Adipose layers are marked by an arrow.

Fig. 5

Cross sections of the heart. (a) Cross sections of the heart model. (1): “Sharecare YOU anatomy”, (2): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, (3): “Human Anatomy VR”, (4): “Everyday Anatomy VR”, (5): “3D Organon VR Anatomy”. (b) (1) Electric impulse and (2) Electrocardiogram observed in “Sharecare YOU Anatomy”. The arrow indicates the button to observe the electrocardiogram. (c) Interior models of the heart. The heart valve is marked by an arrow. (1): “Sharecare YOU anatomy”, (2): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, (3): “Human Anatomy VR”, (4): “Everyday Anatomy VR”, (5): “3D Organon VR Anatomy”.

Fig. 6

Kidney models in each anatomical VR application. (a) Surface of the kidney model. An arrow marks the surface of the kidney. (b) Cross section of the kidney model. An arrow marks the pyramid structure of the kidney. (1): “Sharecare YOU anatomy”, (2): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, (3): “Human Anatomy VR”, (4): “Everyday Anatomy VR”, (5): “3D Organon VR Anatomy” (c) Urine display function in “Sharecare YOU Anatomy”.

Fig. 7

(a) Ansa cervicalis and internal jugular vein, both of the lateral type. (1): “Everday Anatomy VR”, (2): “3D Organon VR anatomy”. (3): “Human Anatomy VR”, (4): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”. (b) The positional relationship between ansa cervicalis and the omohyoid muscle. (1): “3D Organon VR Anatomy”, (2): “Human Anatomy VR”, (3): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”. (c) The positional relationship between ansa cervicalis and the lower ridge of the cricoid cartilage. (1): “Everday Anatomy VR”, (2): “3D Organon VR anatomy”. (3): “Human Anatomy VR”, (4): “Anatomy Explorer 2020”.

Fig. 8

Disease expression functions in “3D Organon VR Anatomy”. (a) Pain expression function. (b) Bone spurs of (1) normal and (2) disease condition. (c) Comparison of (1) normal and (2) lesion-presenting features using lesion expression function.

Fig. 9

Interface, controller, and information window of “Everyday Anatomy VR” and “3D Organon VR Anatomy”. (a) Interface. (1): “Everyday Anatomy VR”, (2): “3D Organon VR Anatomy”. (b) Controller and (c) Information window of “Everyday Anatomy VR”.

Fig. 10

Interface, movement, control of “Sharecare YOU Anatomy”. (a) Normal interface. (b) Home menu. (c) Quiz window. (d) Control.

Fig. 11

The interface of “VEDAVI VR Human Anatomy”. (a) Basic interface. (b) Anatomical model. (c) Controller. (d) Remote operation mode.

Fig. 12

(a) Menu of anatomical systems in “Human Anatomy VR”. (b) (1) Information panel and (2) Figure using the educational functions such as quiz in “Human Anatomy VR”. (c) Menu of anatomical systems in “Anatomy Explorer 2020”.

Fig. 13

A mind map of the recommended anatomical VR applications by systems, characteristics, external factors, and clinical use. 3OVA: “3D Organon VR Anatomy”, EAV: “Everyday Anatomy VR”, HAV: “Human Anatomy VR”, AE2: “Anatomy Explorer 2020”, SYA: “Sharecare YOU Anatomy”, VVHA: “VEDAVI VR Human Anatomy”).