Establishment of a Digital Animal Anatomy and Novel Application Simulation Laboratory: Development and Implementation Steps

Veterinary anatomy education increasingly requires innovative educational approaches capable of overcoming the limitations associated with conventional cadaver-based teaching while improving students’ spatial understanding of complex anatomical structures. The present study aimed to establish and implement a comprehensive virtual reality (VR)-supported digital veterinary anatomy laboratory integrating computed tomography (CT), three-dimensional (3D) anatomical modelling, immersive VR technology, and additive manufacturing into undergraduate veterinary anatomy education. The methodological workflow consisted of four sequential stages: establishment of the digital laboratory infrastructure, acquisition and geometric reconstruction of anatomical datasets, development of interactive VR-based educational applications, and educational implementation of the developed system. Anatomical models were generated from CT datasets and structured-light surface scans of domestic animal specimens, followed by digital segmentation, three-dimensional reconstruction, mesh optimisation, and integration into a VR environment. Selected anatomical structures were additionally produced as physical models using three-dimensional printing technology. The completed laboratory comprised five VR workstations, dedicated 3D modelling stations, tablet computers, and interactive display systems, enabling simultaneous participation of up to 20 undergraduate veterinary students. During the initial implementation period, approximately 80 first-year veterinary students and seven academic staff members utilised the developed infrastructure during routine anatomy laboratory sessions. The integrated platform enabled immersive visualisation and interactive manipulation of anatomically accurate digital cadavers representing multiple domestic animal species and organ systems while supporting repeated self-directed learning and comparative anatomy education. Observational evaluations indicated successful integration of the digital infrastructure into routine anatomy teaching, with improved accessibility, enhanced anatomical visualisation, increased learner engagement, and effective complementarity with conventional cadaver-based instruction. The developed laboratory provides a scalable and sustainable framework for technology-enhanced veterinary anatomy education and may serve as a reference model for future digital transformation initiatives in veterinary medical training.