Applications of virtual reality in the field of anatomy: a review article

Abstract

Medical colleges are adopting new technologies to facilitate medical students in learning new medical procedures. The new technologies include leap motion, Microsoft HoloLens, oculus rift, and HTC Vive devices. These devices allow for the visualization of 3D images in virtual or augmented reality. These devices range from non-immersive desktop systems with or without motion tracking to immersive CAVE systems and head-mounted display (HMD) systems such as the HTC Vive and oculus rift. With HMDs, the user enters a virtual environment by wearing goggles with screens for both eyes. Anatomy is a widely used subject in virtual reality (VR) applications. By studying the structure and mechanisms of the human body, we can create extensive online databases with human images and information in the form of CT/MRI scans. The virtual dissection table "Anatomage" is a computerized teaching tool that reconstructs CT scans of humans into a 3D format, which can be viewed using digital media. Students have the opportunity to analyze thin cross-sectional slices of the human anatomy and identify organs and their positions through different planes. By learning Anatomage, they can essentially perform an electronic dissection of a virtual cadaver. To evaluate the efficiency of virtual dissectors in the field of anatomy, a pre and post-test performance of medical students was conducted. The results showed that more than two-thirds (72%) of the students preferred the incorporation of 3D imaging in "Anatomage", as it enables them to understand anatomy envisioned through medical imaging more effectively.