Digital anatomy using the surface models in portable document format file for self-learning and evaluation

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study examined the learning effect of surface models made from the sectioned images of a male cadaver. Materials and Methods: The first author guided 46 medical students to study with a portable document format (PDF) file containing hundreds of surface models of a whole body. Their level of anatomy knowledge gained was evaluated by a digital examination on the tablet computers using the captured movies of PDF file. Results: The medical students' grades on the surface models were positively correlated with those on the remainder of the anatomy quiz. More than half of the students reported that the PDF file was helpful in anatomy learning and cadaver dissection. Conclusions: Digital anatomy learning is under continuous development in many ways. This report shows that surface models of the human body can be effective for self-learning and in the evaluation of anatomy knowledge.