Event Title

An Interactive 3D Model of the Cranial Nerve and Brainstem Nuclei for Enhanced Learning of Neuroanatomy

Start Date

5-10-2011 9:45 AM

End Date

5-10-2011 9:50 AM

Abstract

Neuroanatomy is a complex sub‐discipline of anatomy that requires abstract thinking and strong spatial reasoning. Traditional methods of learning neuroanatomy include investigation using dissection, light microscopy and histological staining. Often, this pedagogical approach requires students to formulate three‐dimensional (3D) mental imagesfrom multiple two‐dimensional (2D) cross‐sections. Further, learners then need to comprehend how the structures relate to each other spatially and functionally. Previous studies demonstrate students with lower spatial abilities have difficulty learning neuroanatomy of the brainstem nuclei partly due to their inability to conceptualize brainstem topography in 3D space. A 3D model of the cranial nerve and brainstem nuclei will be constructed using amagnetic resonance (MR), T1 weighted dataset and Amira 5.0 software. The nuclei will be created through a process called segmentationwhere 3D surfaces are generated through identification of the anatomical substratesin a series of 2D MR images. The completed reconstruction will be integrated into an online learning tool highlighting spatial orientations of each nuclei. This tool will be compared to a classical teaching approach (2D cross sections and dissections in the anatomy learning lab) to brainstem neuroanatomy. It is hypothesized that the online learning tool will have an enhanced effect on students’ learning experiences and abilities as measured by a standardized testand an open‐ended questionnaire. Information garnered from this study will help guide the formation of new e‐learning tools that are becoming pervasive in anatomical and other basic sciences.

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Oct 5th, 9:45 AM Oct 5th, 9:50 AM

An Interactive 3D Model of the Cranial Nerve and Brainstem Nuclei for Enhanced Learning of Neuroanatomy

Neuroanatomy is a complex sub‐discipline of anatomy that requires abstract thinking and strong spatial reasoning. Traditional methods of learning neuroanatomy include investigation using dissection, light microscopy and histological staining. Often, this pedagogical approach requires students to formulate three‐dimensional (3D) mental imagesfrom multiple two‐dimensional (2D) cross‐sections. Further, learners then need to comprehend how the structures relate to each other spatially and functionally. Previous studies demonstrate students with lower spatial abilities have difficulty learning neuroanatomy of the brainstem nuclei partly due to their inability to conceptualize brainstem topography in 3D space. A 3D model of the cranial nerve and brainstem nuclei will be constructed using amagnetic resonance (MR), T1 weighted dataset and Amira 5.0 software. The nuclei will be created through a process called segmentationwhere 3D surfaces are generated through identification of the anatomical substratesin a series of 2D MR images. The completed reconstruction will be integrated into an online learning tool highlighting spatial orientations of each nuclei. This tool will be compared to a classical teaching approach (2D cross sections and dissections in the anatomy learning lab) to brainstem neuroanatomy. It is hypothesized that the online learning tool will have an enhanced effect on students’ learning experiences and abilities as measured by a standardized testand an open‐ended questionnaire. Information garnered from this study will help guide the formation of new e‐learning tools that are becoming pervasive in anatomical and other basic sciences.