Exploring the Educational Outcomes of Traditional Cadaveric Dissection Compared to 3D Virtual Dissection Models

Traditional cadaveric dissection has been a cornerstone of anatomy education for a long time while modern 3D virtual dissection tools have emerged as an innovative alternative.This study aimed to compare perceptions of traditional dissection and 3D dissection among a broad medical community.A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire via Google Forms.The survey included 977 participants comprising medical students, dental students, nursing students, interns, residents and practicing professionals across various medical colleges.The questionnaire assessed participants' preferences, perceived effectiveness and attitudes toward both traditional cadaveric dissection and 3D virtual dissection.The majority of respondents indicated that while each method had its individual strengths, a combination of both traditional cadaveric dissection and 3D dissection was most effective for learning anatomy.The findings support the integration of both traditional and 3D dissection methods in anatomy education.Combining the cadaveric dissection with the technological precision of 3D tools may provide a more holistic and effective learning experience for medical learners across different stages of training.