New 3D Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table Uncovers Intricacies of Human Anatomy With the Touch of a Finger
Students will be engaged in a new level of interactive learning and exposed to content that can better prepare them for future health care professions.
— — Shelley Phelan, PhD, professor and chair of the Biology Department and director of the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences and Mathematics
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ will soon be joining the ranks of some of the world’s leading medical schools and institutions. The College of Arts and Sciences was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) to revolutionize the University’s anatomy and physiology labs with the acquisition of a 3D digital Anatomage Table, the world’s first virtual dissection table and most technologically advanced human anatomy visualization system.
Using innovative technology to help students in biology, nursing, health sciences, and associated fields of research to understand human anatomy in a new and comprehensive way, the Anatomage Table allows users to visualize human anatomy exactly as they would on a fresh cadaver. Individual structures of the body are reconstructed in accurate 3D, resulting in an unprecedented level of anatomic accuracy that is presented in a fully interactive, life-sized touch screen format. The software includes interactive, multi-layered 3D images of human specimens and over 1,000 pathology examples, allowing students to dissect both normal anatomy and abnormal pathologies without the chemicals, smell, and reoccurring facility costs associated with human cadavers.
Compatible with all CT and MRI imaging data, the table also includes a radiology workstation to upload patient images for diagnoses, surgery case review, patient consultation, and research. It is expected to become an essential technology incorporated throughout the University’s anatomy and physiology lab curriculum.
“Our goal is to develop innovative new laboratory exercises in all of our anatomy and physiology courses to engage students in virtual human cadaveric dissection and expose them to the depth of biology content it offers,” said Shelley Phelan, PhD, professor and chair of the Biology Department and director of the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences and Mathematics. “As a result, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ students will be engaged in a new level of interactive learning in these essential courses, and will be exposed to content that can better prepare them for future health care professions.”
Over the last several years, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ has experienced tremendous growth in its pre-health programs and initiatives, and Dr. Phelan is excited to see that growth continue with these new advancements in technology.
“Our biology program offers cutting-edge methodology and technology in all of our courses, our nursing program is nationally recognized, our new health-related majors and minors are thriving, and we continue to send students to top medical schools and graduate programs across the country,” Dr. Phelan said. ”Virtually all of our faculty are conducting exciting and innovative research with our undergraduate students every day, and we are very excited to expose our next generation of scientists, health care professionals, and critical thinkers to this new technology.”
To see video of the Anatomage table in action or to learn more about its interdisciplinary uses, visit .
