Anatomy of Learning: Dissection vs. virtual tools in veterinary education (#181)

Many of the new and proposed veterinary schools are including

the online teaching of veterinary anatomy as a cornerstone of their curriculum,

promising accessibility and cutting-edge technology.

But can virtual platforms truly replace the tactile, three-dimensional understanding gained from traditional dissection? In the race to modernize education, are we sacrificing hands-on skills essential for future veterinary surgeons?

The debate between hands-on dissection and online or virtual learning for veterinary anatomy has become increasingly relevant as educational tools evolve.

Pros of Hands-On Dissection

• Tactile Learning Experience: Handling real specimens provides a direct tactile experience, allowing students to feel the texture, density, and spatial relationships of anatomical structures.

• Three-Dimensional Understanding: Real cadavers offer an unparalleled opportunity to understand the physical orientation and interconnection of structures in a real-world context.

• Variation in Anatomy: Real specimens show natural anatomical variations, pathology, and anomalies, preparing students for the diversity they’ll encounter in practice.

• Kinesthetic Memory: Physically manipulating specimens helps some students reinforce their learning through kinesthetic memory.

• Diagnostic Skill Development: The process of dissection enhances observational and critical thinking skills, which are essential for diagnosing clinical conditions.

Cons of Hands-On Dissection

• Ethical and Moral Concerns: Some students may feel discomfort with the use of cadavers, raising ethical questions about the procurement and use of animals.

• Resource Intensive: Dissection requires significant resources, including the cost of specimens, preservation, disposal, and laboratory facilities.

• Limited Accessibility: Students at remote or underfunded institutions may not have the same access to cadaveric resources.

• Health Risks: Exposure to formalin and other preservatives can pose health risks to students and staff.

• Environmental Concerns: Cadaver storage and disposal have environmental impacts, including the use of chemicals and energy-intensive processes.

Pros of Online/Virtual Anatomy Learning

• Accessibility: Online tools can be accessed anywhere, making learning more inclusive for students from remote or underfunded institutions.

• Standardization: All students have access to the same high-quality, detailed, and annotated anatomical models, reducing disparities in learning resources.

• Interactivity and Repetition: Virtual anatomy platforms often allow students to zoom, rotate, and layer anatomical structures, facilitating repeated exploration at their own pace.

• Cost-Effective: After initial development, online resources are less costly to maintain and distribute.

• Ethically Favorable: Avoids the use of cadavers, addressing ethical concerns and reducing environmental impacts.

• Integration of Imaging Techniques: Many platforms integrate radiographic, CT, and MRI images, which are vital for clinical practice.

Cons of Online/Virtual Anatomy Learning

• Lack of Tactile Feedback: Virtual tools cannot replicate the feel, weight, and texture of real tissues, which may be crucial for understanding certain structures.

• Reduced Realism: While detailed, virtual models may lack the complexity, variation, and imperfections seen in actual specimens.

• Dependency on Technology: Requires reliable internet access and advanced hardware, which may not be universally available.

• Cognitive Disconnect: Without physical interaction, some students may struggle to translate virtual learning into a real-world context.

• Limited Problem-Solving Opportunities: Dissection often presents unforeseen challenges that hone practical skills and adaptability, which virtual platforms may lack.

• Risk of Superficial Learning: Online tools may inadvertently encourage a less rigorous approach, focusing on memorization rather than deep understanding.

Rick’s Commentary

A blended approach - combining the hands-on experience of dissection

with the flexibility and interactivity of virtual learning –

offers the best of both worlds.

While online tools can serve as excellent supplements, the physical act of dissection remains invaluable for fostering a comprehensive understanding of veterinary anatomy and preparing students for the complexities of clinical practice. Institutions should strive to balance these methods, adapting them to students’ needs and ethical considerations.

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