The Role of Anatomists and Surgeons in Clinical Anatomy Instruction Inside and Outside the Operating Room

Abstract

In undergraduate medical training, teaching of anatomy is increasingly needed in the fourth and fifth (clinical) years due to various reasons (1, 2). A number of medical institutions have shortened the duration of gross anatomy in their curriculum with
the introduction of newly emerging specialties in medical sciences (3). Anatomy is considered a prime learning issue in the operating room (2). Dissection of cadavers is no doubt the best mode of learninggross anatomy (even today) but medical illustrations, photographs, slides and posters of regional anatomy do play an important role from Vesalius in 1538 to the latest edition of Gray’s Anatomy (4). These illustrations are very helpful to revise the knowledge of gross anatomy for the senior medical students as they provide visual positive reinforcement in the learning process.