The Role of 3D Imaging in Anatomy Education: A Survey-Based Evaluation

The mental visualization of the shape and organization of different anatomical structures has a very important place in the learning process.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the spatial relationships between the cross sections of 3D anatomical images in the coronal, sagittal and horizontal planes in the learning process of students.These new educational materials in the digital age can help to better understand the localization of anatomical structures and to encourage students to use their time more effectively according to their learning speed and ability.Our study was conducted on second-year students (n=114) studying at Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry in the spring semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.Firstly, a preliminary questionnaire was administered to the students inquiring about the anatomical structures they had difficulty in understanding during the neuroanatomy course.These structures were then demonstrated to the students during the practical lesson using the 3D imaging method.After the training, students' opinions were evaluated using a questionnaire.More than 50 % of the students stated that the anatomy education given using the 3D imaging method at the end of the practical training facilitated the comprehension of the anatomical structures, and that it would be useful to include the method in the anatomy education process.According to the results of our study, we think that the 3D imaging technique has positive effects on the understanding of complex anatomical structures within the scope of anatomy education, and that it will support classical teaching methods.