Anitomical conducted a live test with the prototype application for comparative anatomy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Joris Koene, scientific advisor of Antomical and associate professor at the VU, gave a dissection class with the squid (Loligo vulgaris) for a group of ten students. They were able to use the Anitomical application with a 3D model of the squid as a reference material and source for scientific information.
During the dissection class, the students used the standard manual from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for step-by-step dissection of the squid. In addition to their regular sources for background information, they also used the Anitomical application with the 3D model of a squid. The students also had the opportunity to use the comparative anatomy function to compare the squid (Loligo vulgaris) with 3D models of an octopus (Eledone cirrhosa), mussel (Mytilus edulis), pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) and Roman snail (Helix pomatia).
The students completed a detailed evaluation after the dissection class. This included questions about, among other things, the use and operation of the application, the way in which the 3D models are presented, and the operation of the comparative anatomy function. The evaluation shows that students find the application very useful for, among other things, looking up the location, orientation and three-dimensional shape of the organs, and recognizing the different organ systems.
The majority of students have indicated that they would like to use the Anitomical application for the preparation of dissection classes, during these classes, to learn anatomy for an exam, and because they find the 3D models beautiful and interesting. They experienced the comparative anatomy function as very positive as it enables them to clearly see the anatomical differences between animals.
The Anitomical team is now working to identify and implement areas for improvement of the application. A second live test with students will then be organized in the near future at a university in the Netherlands or abroad.
