Continuing Medical (Anatomy) Education Series: Three-Dimensional Printing as an Ancillary Human Anatomy Learning Aid

Anatomy is one of the keystones in understanding the human body in both health and diseases. Thus it is absolutely necessary for anyone aspiring to be actively involved as a care giver be him/her as Doctor, Dentist or allied health professional to be well grounded in the knowledge and application of human anatomy as demanded by the appropriate health profession. Teaching and learning of anatomy entails didactic lectures, small group tutorials cum discussions, cadaveric dissection, audiovisuals and interactive models and mannequins. Three dimensional (3D) printing technology, using diverse materials has evolved to develop anatomy models that have impacted greatly in the teaching and learning of human anatomy. This paper captured the relevance, significance and benefits of 3D printing to anatomy education. It also touched on challenges limiting its deployment in low and middle income economies.