Open research questions in Anatomy and Medical Technology
158 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 1,676 Anatomy and Medical Technology papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
Traditional teaching methods in anatomy education present significant pedagogical challenges. Existing MR systems lack tutoring capabilities that respond contextually during anatomical exploration. The need for a reproducible and cost-effective MR anatomy learning platform.
The contribution of body function to embodiment is a relatively underexplored factor. There is a need to understand how flexible embodiment might be, particularly in adults and children. The study aims to address this gap by exploring the effects of altered arm functionality on ownership and motor control.
convenience sample, - limited to virtual reality environment, - limited age range of participants
While PT has shown positive effects on cognitive performance in various domains, its application in anatomy education, which demands substantial cognitive effort, remains unexplored.
Assessing the efficacy of the Pomodoro technique in enhancing anatomy lesson retention during study sessions: a scoping review · 2025 · DOIHowever, limited research exists on students' reflective thinking and perceptions before practice.
Despite its potential, few studies have directly compared VR with traditional methods in anatomy education.
Comparison of cooperative learning through use of an immersive virtual reality anatomy model and a 3D plastic anatomical model · 2025 · DOIDespite the positive reception of these tools, their impact on learning outcomes remains uncertain.
An activity theory approach to analysing student learning of human anatomy using a 3D-printed model and a digital resource · 2025 · DOIFuture research should explore a greater range of neurodivergent conditions, interrogate assessment practices including clinical examinations, and provide further evidence for inclusive teaching approaches.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a gap in evidence-based research, both on mnemonics and on CD in pathology didactics.
Peer creation and sharing of mnemonics in collaborative documents for pathology education: a pilot study · 2024 · DOIThe study identifies the need for improved face and construct validity in SBT. The study highlights the challenge of creating realistic 3D-printed models. The study notes the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of different models.
Evaluation of 3D-printed vs. digital models in simulation-based training for iliac endovascular interventions · 2026 · DOIThere is a lack of research on the effectiveness of Peer-Assisted Learning in anatomy practicals. Conventional teaching methods are often ineffective in improving students' understanding.
Differences Between Conventional Learning Methods and Peer-Assisted Learning on The Anatomy Practical Results of Medicine Student UISU · 2026 · DOIThe imitation of patient-specific trabecular bone in additively manufactured anatomical models remains complex and inadequately addressed. There is a lack of trabecular bone representation in additively manufactured anatomical models.
Additively Manufactured Patient-Specific Trabecular Bone Imitations in Anatomical Bone Models for Preoperative Planning and Surgical Training: A Manufacturing Framework · 2026 · DOIThe need for realistic and effective simulation models for procedural training. The limitations of traditional training methods, including the risk of complications and the need for a safe and controlled environment.
Anatomically Accurate 3D-Printed Thoracic Model With Artificial Skin for Chest Drainage Training · 2026 · DOIPrevious studies have emphasized that the cost of commercial simulators can be a major limitation for widespread implementation of simulation-based training, with commercial thoracentesis simulators costing between USD 2,500 and USD 4,000 [2].
Anatomically Accurate 3D-Printed Thoracic Model With Artificial Skin for Chest Drainage Training · 2026 · DOIThe traditional medical curriculum has limitations for teaching certain structures, such as the branches of the internal iliac artery and sacral nerves.
3D-Modeling/Printing of Internal Iliac Artery and Sacral Nerves: a Student Contribution to Anatomy Education Through a Discovery Learning Elective · 2026 · DOIThe complexity of anatomical structures and physiological mechanisms. The limitations of traditional teaching methods. The need to develop effective and engaging teaching methods.
Quantitative evaluation of 3D-printed physiological visualization tools in enhancing interns’ knowledge retention and application · 2026 · DOIThe study only evaluated the effectiveness of 3D-printed physiological visualization tools in a specific context. The sample size was limited to 120 undergraduate nursing interns. The study did not explore the long-term effects of using 3D-printed models.
Quantitative evaluation of 3D-printed physiological visualization tools in enhancing interns’ knowledge retention and application · 2026 · DOIThere is a lack of research on the effectiveness of 3D virtual reality and 2D learning environments in anatomy education. There is a need for innovative instructional technologies that can optimize anatomical learning efficiency while ensuring deep, transferable knowledge acquisition.
Exploring cognitive load in anatomy education: a study of 3D virtual reality and 2D learning environments using fNIRS · 2026 · DOIThere is a need for anatomically accurate cardiac and coronary artery phantoms for education and training. Current methods for creating phantoms may not accurately represent the anatomy of the coronary arteries.
The high cost and limited accessibility of 3D printing technology. The complexity of chest wall anatomy. The need for accurate and detailed preoperative planning and simulation of complex procedures.
Practical guide for low-cost three-dimensional printing of chest wall anatomy for rib fracture visualization · 2026 · DOIThe high cost and limited accessibility of 3D printing technology can be a barrier to its adoption in clinical practice. The lack of a low-cost and accessible method for producing 3D prints of chest wall anatomy from CT images.
Practical guide for low-cost three-dimensional printing of chest wall anatomy for rib fracture visualization · 2026 · DOIThere is a lack of literature on interns' perceptions of cadaveric dissection and computer-assisted anatomy teaching. The study aims to fill this gap by assessing interns' opinions on both teaching methods.
PERCEPTION OF INTERNS TOWARDS CADAVERIC DISSECTION V/S COMPUTER ASSISTED ANATOMY TEACHING · 2026 · DOIThe lack of formal structured programmes and competency frameworks to equip residents and surgeons with 3D printing skills. The need for system-level intervention to facilitate adoption.
Clinical 3D Printing in Orthopaedic Surgery: Perceptions and Training Needs Across the Training Continuum · 2026 · DOIFuture work should include the design and prospective evaluation of a structured 3D printing curriculum for resi- dents, with assessment of both technical competency and downstream clinical outcomes. Qualitative methods should be included to provide better insights into the specific bar- riers and motivations that quantitative surveys cannot fully capture. Studies involving multi-centres across surgical specialties would also strengthen the generalisability of these findings. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a consistent gap between interest in 3D printing and the technical capability to implement it in clinical practice across all levels of the orthopaedic train- ing hierarchy. Engagement with the technology appears to be driven more by clinical relevance rather than base- line technical familiarity. Residency represents a critical and actionable window for curriculum integration, where clinical relevance and readiness for skill development are most closely aligned. Embedding structured, clinically con- textualised 3D printing training within orthopaedic resi- dency programmes may help facilitate the translation of sustained interest into meaningful clinical adoption. Submitted: May 25, 2026 EDT. Accepted: May 26, 2026 EDT. Published: May 29, 2026 EDT.
Clinical 3D Printing in Orthopaedic Surgery: Perceptions and Training Needs Across the Training Continuum · 2026 · DOILimited prior exposure to practical histology among Moroccan undergraduate students. Specific linguistic and curricular constraints in Moroccan universities. Infrastructure constraints and visualization deficits in teaching histology.
Basic histology knowledge gaps in Moroccan university students: Curriculum achievement and persistent misconceptions · 2026 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Anatomy and Medical Technology
- The effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality in health sciences and medical anatomy · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2017 · 882 citations
- The anatomy of anatomy: A review for its modernization · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2010 · 782 citations
- Medical education in the anatomical sciences: The winds of change continue to blow · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2009 · 679 citations
- The production of anatomical teaching resources using three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2014 · 531 citations
- Teaching anatomy without cadavers · Medical Education · 2004 · 473 citations
- Cadaveric dissection as an educational tool for anatomical sciences in the 21st century · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2016 · 438 citations
- Additive manufacturing of ceramics for dental applications: A review · Dental Materials · 2019 · 403 citations
- Can virtual reality improve anatomy education? A randomised controlled study of a computer‐generated three‐dimensional anatomical ear model · Medical Education · 2006 · 377 citations
- Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis of the Adaptations to Anatomical Education in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland in Response to the Covid‐19 Pandemic · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2020 · 360 citations
- Use of 3D printed models in medical education: A randomized control trial comparing 3D prints versus cadaveric materials for learning external cardiac anatomy · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2015 · 358 citations
Most recent work
- Lessons learnt: Perceptions of health sciences students of blended anatomy education at Stellenbosch University during and after the COVID ‐19 pandemic · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
- Teaching Anatomy — To Dissect or Not to Dissect? · New England Journal of Medicine · 2026
- NeuroTwister : Gamified learning to teach cross‐sectional neuroanatomy to medical students · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
- Koku Universe as a Design Principle for 3D Bio-Fabrication: Geometric Application to Organ Design · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026
- From concept to community of practice in anatomical ethics and professionalism: 5 years of the “Bioethics Unicorns” education initiative · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
- A multimodal curriculum with integrated gamification helps reduce neurophobia in medical students · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
- Beyond the grave: Do the dead have rights? · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
- Unload the load: Optimizing anatomy instruction with cognitive load theory · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
- Exploring student perceptions of integrating mixed reality with cadaveric teaching in undergraduate neuroanatomy education: A qualitative study · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
- IFAA Recommendations for good practice for the donation and anatomical study of human remains (revised 2026) · Anatomical Sciences Education · 2026
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