본문 바로가기
  • Home

Learning Brainstem Anatomy using Plastic Cup Models

  • Anatomy & Biological Anthropology
  • Abbr : Anat Biol Anthropol
  • 2021, 34(1), pp.7~12
  • DOI : 10.11637/aba.2021.34.1.7
  • Publisher : 대한체질인류학회
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Anatomy
  • Received : December 29, 2020
  • Accepted : February 1, 2021
  • Published : March 31, 2021

Hur, Mi-Sun ORD ID 1 JANG, HYE WON ORD ID 2 OH, CHANG SEOK 2

1가톨릭관동대학교
2성균관대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

New didactic methods have been introduced for teaching gross anatomy and neuroanatomy, which include modern IT technology such as 3-dimensional (3D) printing and virtual (VR) or augmented reality (AR). These methods have been reported to be educationally effective. Despite several 3D or mnemonic devices used for teaching brainstem anatomy, this part of the brain remains difficult to teach and learn. The difficulty may be associated with the compact localization of the components, with many nuclei and tracts packed in a limited space, which are not easily observed by dissection. Cross sectioning and staining of the brainstem have presented obstacles at the authors’ institution, due to limited laboratory time and inconsistent staining results. To overcome these difficulties and improve students’ understanding of brainstem anatomy, we introduced a hands-on practice of modeling during the neuroanatomy course. Students were required to model the brainstem including the nuclei and nerves using three transparent plastic cups (for midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata), colored clay, thin wire, and colored threads. The brainstem models made by students were evaluated by the teacher. The results of a feedback survey based on a five-point Likert scale showed positive effects of this method.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.