Inside AWSOM: The Anatomy Resource Center

One of the most foundational parts of medical education is learning the structure and functions of the human body. At Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, students will master the complexities of human anatomy in the 3,010-square-foot Anatomy Resource Center (ARC). The ARC houses the School’s collection of plastinated anatomical specimens and serves as a resource for students studying anatomy.

All integrated anatomy labs will occur in the ARC, where students will work on case-based, active learning activities with their peers.

“Our labs emphasize an integrated anatomy experience. Students will work in small groups of four during all organ-based courses in the ARC,” said Lance Forshee, PhD, Associate Director of the Anatomy Lab and Associate Professor of Anatomy, “This approach encourages each student to engage with anatomy on a personal level.”

In the ARC, students will primarily learn anatomy by interacting with plastinated specimens, learning tools created from cadaveric donors who have been dissected and then preserved through the plastination process.

Plastination allows for dry, odorless preservation without the hazardous fixatives associated with donors. These specimens are durable and can last for decades. The School has a collection of over 100 plastinated specimens for students to use during labs and independent study.

Virtual reality technology will be used as a supplemental education tool to provide students with detailed anatomy exploration from every angle. Through VR, multiple students will be able to interact with the same virtual models (scanned from cadavers) in sync.

In the School’s Makerspace, which supports the ARC and the Simulation Center, students will be able to design and print their own 3D anatomy models on medical grade 3D printers. Faculty will also be leveraging artificial intelligence for precision education in the anatomy labs.

Extracurricular dissection opportunities will be available for students interested in particular specialties.

While the ARC is the central hub for anatomy education in the School, it will also be an open space where students can study outside of their scheduled classes.

“The ARC is the students’ space and provides them multiple options and resources to support their educational experience,” said Alexis Gillett, PT, DPT, EdD, Associate Professor of Anatomy, “This is built for them.”