THE EFFECTIVENESS OF 3D ANATOMICAL MODELS IN TEACHING HUMAN ANATOMY TO MEDICAL STUDENTS
Keywords:
human anatomy, medical education, 3D anatomical models, anatomy teaching, spatial learningAbstract
Human anatomy is one of the fundamental subjects in medical education and requires students to understand complex three-dimensional relationships between organs, tissues, vessels, nerves, and anatomical regions. Traditional teaching methods based on textbooks, atlases, lectures, and cadaveric dissection remain important, but they may not always provide sufficient opportunities for repeated visualization and spatial learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational effectiveness of three-dimensional anatomical models in teaching human anatomy to medical students. A literature-based analytical approach was used to examine the influence of physical and digital 3D models on anatomical knowledge, spatial understanding, student engagement, motivation, and long-term retention. The reviewed evidence indicates that 3D anatomical models can improve visualization of complex structures, facilitate understanding of anatomical relationships, and support active learning. Their greatest educational value is observed when they complement, rather than replace, conventional teaching methods. The integration of 3D technologies into anatomy education may therefore contribute to more effective, interactive, and clinically oriented medical training
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