Letter to the Editor
Body Projection: An Accessible tool for Human
Anatomy Teaching
Dear Editor,
Although the models for traditional classes have their
importance, a variety of studies show that the incorporation
of complementary interactive methods is able to give a
better environment for the learning of the students.[1] In the
teaching of human anatomy, the traditional methods like
dissection of cadavers are in decline. With the availability
of numerous supporting or alternative of learning (images
of complementary exams, surgical videos, body painting,
interactive media, and virtual reality) and the costs of labs a b c
maintenance, a debate about the necessities of corpses during
the university study, especially for education of health field
professionals that do not perform invasive procedures,[2] is
advisable.
In this context, the change of teaching from the traditional
in‑person, face‑to‑face classroom to a world increasingly digital
and influenced by new technologies, digital resources, and
educational software are important tools to involve students d e
and promote a more efficient way of learning. Recently, Figure 1: Representations of the nervous system (a), muscular
system (b) using the Complete Anatomy® software (3D4Medical) and
electronic tools (e‑tools) were launched and offered for the cardiovascular system (c) using the Zygote Body® software. Real
anatomy teaching.[3,4] situations of practical classes using body projection combined with
palpatory anatomy (d) and body painting (e)
The technique of body projection consists of a complementary
method which uses software that allow the user to examine of an anatomic image represented by a model’s body,
anatomical representations of organs or the complete body especially in large projections. Further, an environment
system through images projected on the surface of the body with low light shows a better representation of the body
of a model/volunteer [Figure 1]. structures
2. Distance from a projection spot: The environment
According to Singh et al.,[5] it is important for anatomy available for this technique can be challenging for larger
professors to explore innovative and stimulating, engaging, structures of the body. If larger structures are projected
creative, purposeful, multimodal means to encourage proactive a distance of about 3 m between the projector and the
and deep learning, and to develop long‑term memory in model is needed
students in order to improve student engagement and learning 3. Costumes used by models: Although research done by
outcomes that align with their professional goals. In this Debra Patten in 2007 at Durham University in the United
circumstance, there are advantages to projected anatomical Kingdom[6] describes the feasibility of this technique
images onto live human beings. used on a naked body, we suggest use of a white body
suit (covering the major body surface of the model) to offer
A variety of strategies can be used to manage the quality of an optimized experience for the students
the offered experience to the students. We listed below some 4. Chosen software quality: Software used deserves the most
of the characteristics that should be considered: attention, because the content quality provided by the
1. Projector resolution and local light: The projectors use manufacturer software can contribute to or detract from
micro internal display, which has a fixed pixel matrix. This student learning. To guarantee better quality, the image
matrix is called native resolution. This native resolution of and description provided should be compatible with and
this equipment will be directly proportional to the quality faithful to the most updated anatomical definitions. An
© 2021 Education for Health | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 37
Letter to the Editor
interface combined with good visual techniques and good 2016;7:69‑74.
usability practices contributes to the success of use of 2. McMenamin PG, McLachlan J, Wilson A, McBride JM,
Pickering J, Evans DJR, et al. Do we really need cadavers
this technique for teaching and learning. There are lots of
anymore to learn anatomy in undergraduate medicine? Med Teach
applications that make it possible to resize the projection 2018;40:1020‑9.
to a specific body model or even the gender. 3. Chakraborty TR, Cooperstein DF. Exploring anatomy and
physiology using iPad applications. Anat Sci Educ 2018;11:336‑45.
Based on the summary above, we suggest the body projection 4. Erolin C. Interactive 3D Digital Models for Anatomy and Medical
technique is a complementary and innovative intervention Education. Adv Exp Med Biol 2019;1138:1‑6.
that, when added to other teaching methods of human 5. Singh K, Bharatha A, Sa B, Adams OP, Majumder MA. Teaching
anatomy using an active and engaging learning strategy. BMC Med
anatomy, give students in the health professions an engaging Educ 2019;19:149.
experience, has great value for learning, and is viable and 6. Patten D. What lies beneath: Use of three dimensional projection
simple for teachers to use. in living anatomy teaching. The Clinical Teacher 2007;4:10‑4.
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Access this article online
Mike Yoshio Hamasaki, Caroline Mendes,
Quick Response Code:
João Puerro Neto Website:
www.educationforhealth.net
University Center of United Metropolitan Faculties, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Address for correspondence:
DOI:
Dr. Mike Yoshio Hamasaki, 10.4103/efh.EfH_52_20
Centro Universitário das Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas, Av. Santo
Amaro, 1239 ‑ Vila Nova Conceição, Sao Paulo ‑ SP, 04505‑002, Brazil.
E‑mail:
[email protected] How to cite this article: Hamasaki MY, Mendes C, Neto JP. Body projection:
References An accessible tool for human anatomy teaching. Educ Health 2021;34:37-8.
Submitted: 18-Feb-2020 Revised: 08-Jul-2020
1. Lochner L, Wieser H, Waldboth S, Mischo‑Kelling M. Combining
Accepted: 22-Feb-2021 Published: 30-Jun-2021
traditional anatomy lectures with e‑learning activities: How do
students perceive their learning experience? Int J Med Educ © 2021 Education for Health | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
38 Education for Health •Volume 34 • Issue 1 (January-April 2021)
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