Basic medical anatomy education is the cornerstone of cultivating future medical professionals. It connects basic theory with clinical practice, providing medical students with a cognitive framework of human anatomy. However, traditional teaching methods face numerous challenges, such as the scarcity of cadavers (human specimens), difficulties in specimen preservation, health and ethical issues arising from formalin use, and insufficient interactive teaching. With technological advancements, new anatomy education tools are constantly emerging, providing strong support for teaching innovation.

Human specimens are a classic yet limited traditional physical anatomy teaching tool. As the most authentic anatomy teaching resource, cadavers provide an irreplaceable intuitive learning experience, helping students understand the complexity and diversity of human anatomy. However, human specimens also have certain limitations: they are scarce and costly, require special preservation conditions (such as formalin immersion), pose health risks (such as pungent odor and potential toxicity), and involve ethical controversies. They are primarily used in formal anatomy courses in medical schools, suitable for small-class teaching, and emphasize in-depth practice and ethical education.

Physical anatomical models, including organ models made of plastic or silicone such as the heart and brain, are convenient for demonstrating specific structures, are relatively inexpensive, and easy to operate. However, their accuracy and interactivity are limited, making it difficult to simulate the texture and dynamic changes of real tissues. Anatomical models are suitable for basic anatomy teaching, serving as a supplement to cadaver teaching and helping students gain an initial understanding of organ morphology.

Digital and Virtual Reality Anatomy Tools: Innovation and Interaction
3D anatomy software offers highly interactive features, providing rotatable and scalable 3D models, supporting layered display (such as hiding muscles to view bones), and enhancing spatial awareness. The software boasts rich resources, integrating video micro-lessons, digital slices, and question banks, supporting bilingual (Chinese and English) annotations and voice broadcasts for easy self-study. It can be used on mobile phones or tablets, breaking time and space limitations, and is suitable for extracurricular review and remote learning. Compared to traditional tools, 3D software significantly improves learning efficiency and interest, achieving “virtual operation” through AR technology and reducing the difficulty of internships. It is suitable for medical students’ daily learning and exam preparation, as well as personalized teaching by teachers, and is especially recommended for the visualization of complex structures.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices create immersive learning environments through head-mounted displays or mobile AR functions, allowing students to “enter” the human body to observe structures. They provide realistic dynamic simulations (such as blood circulation and muscle movement), enhancing practical experience. However, these devices are expensive, limiting their widespread adoption and relying on stable networks and hardware support. They are suitable for advanced anatomy courses or research projects, emphasizing innovative teaching experiences.

Meiwo’s high simulation soft silicone anatomical models are made of food-grade, environmentally friendly soft silicone, non-toxic, odorless, and safe to touch, avoiding the health risks associated with traditional specimens. These models support QR code scanning to access digital resources (such as 3D models and videos), and include built-in annotation and quiz functions, enabling integrated online and offline learning. The flexible and durable material can withstand repeated handling, reducing the cost of teaching materials. They redefine the anatomy teaching scenario, providing a safe, accurate, and intelligent learning experience suitable for modern medical education needs. These high-fidelity anatomical models are suitable for routine teaching in medical schools, especially for courses requiring frequent manipulation and interactive practice.