White Matter Dissection: Lessons from the United Kingdom National Neuroanatomy Undergraduate Competition 2023

Abstract

Objective This narrative highlights a student-led initiative that explored white matter dissection techniques within the framework of the National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition 2023. Materials and Methods The project aimed to enhance neuroanatomical education by developing a novel approach to dissection that deviates from the traditional Klingler's method. Instead, it incorporated contemporary techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging and other radiological tools, to ensure greater anatomical precision and enrich the learning experience. Results The dissections focused on key white matter structures, such as the uncinate fasciculus and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and outlined a step-by-step methodology for creating high-quality specimens. These specimens are designed to serve as educational resources, particularly for students with limited access to formal neuroanatomy courses. Conclusion This study emphasizes the critical role of hands-on dissection in neuroanatomy education, showcasing its ability to enhance student engagement, deepen anatomical understanding, and inspire interest in clinical neuroscience careers. By introducing innovative educational tools and methodologies, this initiative makes a meaningful contribution to addressing the issue of "neurophobia" in medical education.

Keywords: dissection; medical education; neuroanatomy; neuroscience; neurosurgery.

Fig. 1

The 2023 National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition (NUNC) at a glance. ( A ) Committee members connecting over shared interests. ( B ) NUNC 2023 Welcome Address from Primary Chair Ameerah Gardee. ( C ) The Single best answer examination about to begin. ( D ) Marking underway under the guidance of our external examiner Prof. Ceri Davies. ( E ) Our keynote speaker, Mr. Henry Marsh. ( F ) The NUNC 2023 Committee.

Fig. 2

Results of the 2023 National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition (NUNC) participant survey. ( A ) Bar chart showing the majority of students believe neuroanatomy will be useful to their future career (strongly agree, n  = 30; agree, n  = 23; neutral, n  = 5; disagree, n  = 0; and strongly disagree, n  = 0). ( B ) Bar chart demonstrating students' feelings toward the importance of neuroanatomy (strongly agree, n  = 35; agree, n  = 17; neutral, n  = 6; disagree, n  = 0; and strongly disagree, n  = 0). ( C ) Bar chart illustrating the majority of students' wish for more teaching on the subject of neuroanatomy (yes, n  = 47; no, n  = 2; and maybe, n  = 9). ( D ) Bar chart showcasing that students view understanding neuroanatomy as important (strongly agree, n  = 34; agree, n  = 22; neutral, n  = 2; disagree, n  = 0; and strongly disagree, n  = 0).

Fig. 3

An example of predissection planning from the National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition 2023 dissections. This figure shows the process of dissecting the Papez Circuit in situ and alongside a color-coded reference drawing based on extensive subject reading prepared by Primary Chair, Ameerah Gardee.

Fig. 4

The Papez circuit as dissected by Ameerah Gardee for the National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition 2023. Dissected in a median sagittal view, all the components can be carefully visualized as demonstrated here (A = anterior nucleus of the thalamus; B = mammillothalamic tract; C = mamillary body; D = column of the fornix; E = crus of the fornix; F = hippocampus). The posterior end of the thalamus has been removed in order to view E clearly.

Fig. 5

The 3-mm crochet hook used for the National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition 2023 dissections.

Fig. 6

The CST fibers as dissected by Ameerah Gardee for the National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition 2023. ( 1 ) The specimen positioned to show its inferior surface. ( 2 ) The specimen in a lateral position. Across both images, A = descending CST fibers; also demarcated are the optic chiasm (B) and the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle (C), which are useful landmarks to note during the process of dissection. The majority of the temporal lobe and a portion of the posterior frontal lobe have been resected for optimal visualization of the structure of interest.

Fig. 7

A dissection of the uncinate fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus for the National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition 2023 by Ameerah Gardee. This dissection was performed with the specimen in a lateral orientation; A = uncinate fasciculus; B = inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Other structures shown that serve as useful landmarks are C = deep fibers of the arcuate fasciculus and D = deep white matter of the insular gyri and E = the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle sitting below B. The majority of the temporal lobe, fronto-orbital lobe, and posteroinferior temporal lobe have been resected in order to view the structures of interest.