Comparative study of traditional versus digital anatomy teaching using virtual dissection tools: A quasi-experimental study.

Deepika  Vazir; Dr. Ashok  Aenumulapalli; Sravanthi  Repalle

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1959

Authors

Dr. Deepika Vazir Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Mulugu, Telangana, India.
Dr. Ashok Aenumulapalli Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Prathima Relief institute of medical sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India.
Dr. Sravanthi Repalle Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Narsampet, Warangal, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1959

Keywords:

Anatomy education, Cadaveric dissection, Virtual dissection tools, Digital learning, Anatomage, Medical education, Teaching methods, Comparative study

Abstract

Background: Anatomy forms the cornerstone of medical education. While cadaveric dissection has long been the standard method for anatomy teaching, the emergence of digital platforms offering virtual dissection tools has introduced new opportunities for interactive and remote learning—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of traditional cadaveric dissection and digital anatomy instruction using virtual dissection tools in enhancing learning outcomes among undergraduate medical students.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 120 first-year MBBS students at a tertiary medical college. Students were randomized into two groups: Group A (n=60) received traditional dissection-based teaching, and Group B (n=60) received digital instruction using tools like 3D anatomy software and the Anatomage Table. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using MCQs and OSPEs. A feedback questionnaire evaluated student perceptions of clarity, engagement, and accessibility. Statistical analysis included paired and unpaired t-tests (p<0.05).

Results: Both groups showed significant post-test improvements (p<0.001). Group B had a slightly higher mean score (78.2 ± 6.5) than Group A (75.6 ± 7.1), though not statistically significant (p=0.067). Students in Group B reported greater satisfaction with visual clarity (92%), interactivity (87%), and accessibility (89%), while Group A appreciated the tactile learning and real-life anatomical variation of cadaveric dissection.

Conclusions: Virtual dissection tools are effective alternatives to traditional methods, enhancing engagement and visualization. However, each method has unique strengths that support anatomy learning.

Recommendations: A blended approach combining digital tools with cadaveric dissection is recommended to deliver a comprehensive and immersive anatomy education. Further studies should explore long-term learning outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Author Biographies

Dr. Deepika Vazir, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Mulugu, Telangana, India.

is an experienced academician and medical educator in the field of Anatomy, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Mulugu. With over a decade of involvement in medical teaching and academic leadership, she is known for her dedication to foundational medical sciences and her commitment to shaping future healthcare professionals. She pursued her undergraduate medical education (MBBS) from SVS Medical College, Mahbubnagar, between 2001 and 2007. Following her passion for anatomical sciences, she completed her postgraduate degree—MD in Anatomy—from Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, Hyderabad, in 2015. She has authored more than 15 research articles published in esteemed international journals indexed in DOAJ, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and PubMed Central, making valuable contributions to the global literature in anatomical and medical education. Dr. Vazir actively engages in academic teaching, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Her areas of interest include gross anatomy, histology, and embryology, with a focus on integrating modern pedagogical techniques into anatomical education. She maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence and regularly participates in faculty development programs, workshops, and medical education forums. Dr. Vazir ORCiD is https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-0535-3246

Dr. Ashok Aenumulapalli, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Prathima Relief institute of medical sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India.

is a highly qualified academician and researcher in the field of Medical Anatomy, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to medical education and anatomical sciences. He began his undergraduate studies in physiotherapy, earning his Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) from Kakatiya College of Physiotherapy, Warangal, in the period 2002–2007. With a growing interest in anatomical sciences, he pursued postgraduate education and obtained his M.Sc in Medical Anatomy from Mamata Medical College, Khammam, between 2008 and 2012. To further strengthen his academic and research capabilities, Dr. Aenumulapalli earned his Ph.D. in Medical Anatomy from the prestigious Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, completing it in 2017. His doctoral work reflects a deep engagement with the structural and functional intricacies of human anatomy and a drive toward advancing anatomical education. He has published over 25 research articles in reputed international journals indexed in DOAJ, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and PubMed Central, contributing significantly to the global body of anatomical and medical education literature. Throughout his academic career, he has been actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing to curriculum development, and promoting innovative teaching methodologies. His areas of interest include neuroanatomy, histology, and anatomical variations, with a strong emphasis on clinical relevance and interdisciplinary integration. Dr. Aenumulapalli remains dedicated to continuous learning, research publication, and participation in academic conferences, where he shares his insights and contributes to scholarly discourse in anatomy and allied medical sciences. Dr. Aenumulapalli ORCiD is https://orcid.org/0009-0001- 3984-4118.

Dr. Sravanthi Repalle , Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Narsampet, Warangal, Telangana, India.

serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Narsampet, Telangana. She obtained her undergraduate medical degree (MBBS) from Kakatiya Medical College, Hanumakonda, Warangal (2000–2005), followed by a postgraduate degree (MD in Anatomy) from the same institution (2008–2011). With over a decade of experience in teaching undergraduate medical students, Dr. Repalle has contributed significantly to anatomical education and research. Her primary research interests include morphometric analyses, anatomical variations of major structures such as the brachial artery, cervical vertebrae, and cruciate ligaments, and the integration of clinical relevance in anatomical education. She has published over 25 scientific papers as first author, corresponding author, and co-author in several reputed indexed journals including EMBASE, SCOPUS, DOAJ, and Index Copernicus. Her studies have ranged from cadaveric dissections to educational research, including investigations into organ donation awareness and integrated teaching methodologies. Dr. Repalle remains committed to advancing anatomical science through both rigorous academic instruction and meaningful research contributions. She also actively participates in academic conferences and workshops aimed at strengthening anatomy education in India. Dr. Repalle ORCiD is https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003- 0535-3246.

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