MODERN VISUALIZATION METHODS IN THE STUDY OF HUMAN ANATOMY: FROM MICROSCOPY TO 3D RECONSTRUCTION
Keywords:
Anatomy; Medical imaging; Ultrasound; MRI; CT; Micro-CT; 3D printing; 3D reconstruction; Virtual dissection; Digital anatomical databases; 3D Slicer.Abstract
Modern anatomy is rapidly being transformed by medical imaging technologies—from light/electron microscopy and micro-CT to point-of-care ultrasound, MRI/CT, virtual tables, and 3D printing. This review synthesizes data on the didactic value of these methods, their diagnostic capabilities, typical curriculum integration scenarios, and digital ecosystems (3D Slicer, open anatomical databases, and "Visible Human" projects). It is shown that the inclusion of medical imaging and 3D technologies is associated with improved spatial cognition, knowledge retention, and student engagement. The evidence base is most developed for point-of-care ultrasound education (POCUS), virtual tables, and 3D printing, while micro-CT primarily serves scientific and demonstration purposes with its unique resolution of soft tissue structures. A practical "integration ladder" for medical schools, taking into account resources, is proposed.
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