From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in anatomy teaching is gaining attention due to its potential to support personalized learning and its ability to provide customized, real-time feedback. While the potential impact of complete AI integration in medical education remains unclear, there...

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Main Authors: Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla, Sharmila Saran Rajendran, Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali, Yassine Bouchareb, Noushath Shaffi, Adham Al-Rahbi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Education Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/3/283
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author Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla
Sharmila Saran Rajendran
Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali
Yassine Bouchareb
Noushath Shaffi
Adham Al-Rahbi
author_facet Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla
Sharmila Saran Rajendran
Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali
Yassine Bouchareb
Noushath Shaffi
Adham Al-Rahbi
author_sort Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla
collection DOAJ
description The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in anatomy teaching is gaining attention due to its potential to support personalized learning and its ability to provide customized, real-time feedback. While the potential impact of complete AI integration in medical education remains unclear, there is a suspicion that it could revolutionize pedagogical and assessment practices. Traditional anatomy teaching strategies that use donated human resources hinder continuous learning due to accessibility and ethical challenges. Existing resources, such as anatomy atlases, may not provide knowledge of spatial relationships. AI-powered applications enable students to access more flexible and accessible learning material beyond physical classrooms. This review critically evaluates current advances and the possible impacts of AI in learning anatomy based on the reported empirical original studies. Additionally, it recognizes the challenges and provides possible solutions for them. Most of the initiatives to integrate AI in anatomy teaching are directed towards the development of customized anatomy chatbots and their integration with virtual reality (VR). Although the crucial role of medical imaging in the anatomy curriculum is recognized, currently, no AI application has been developed to target this field. This review discusses the currently available AI tools for anatomy teaching. Additionally, the knowledge gaps and future directions of AI in medical education, especially anatomy education, are also discussed. With the present advances in AI technologies, their application in anatomical education is still deficient. This review paper provides an overview of recent tools used in anatomy teaching and learning.
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spelling doaj-art-9a571ee53be149b3bd0b62aa8ca983fc2025-08-20T02:11:05ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022025-02-0115328310.3390/educsci15030283From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy TeachingSrinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla0Sharmila Saran Rajendran1Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali2Yassine Bouchareb3Noushath Shaffi4Adham Al-Rahbi5Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, OmanDepartment of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UKLee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore 308232, SingaporeDepartment of Radiology & Molecular Imaging, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, OmanDepartment of Computer Science, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, OmanCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, OmanThe application of artificial intelligence (AI) in anatomy teaching is gaining attention due to its potential to support personalized learning and its ability to provide customized, real-time feedback. While the potential impact of complete AI integration in medical education remains unclear, there is a suspicion that it could revolutionize pedagogical and assessment practices. Traditional anatomy teaching strategies that use donated human resources hinder continuous learning due to accessibility and ethical challenges. Existing resources, such as anatomy atlases, may not provide knowledge of spatial relationships. AI-powered applications enable students to access more flexible and accessible learning material beyond physical classrooms. This review critically evaluates current advances and the possible impacts of AI in learning anatomy based on the reported empirical original studies. Additionally, it recognizes the challenges and provides possible solutions for them. Most of the initiatives to integrate AI in anatomy teaching are directed towards the development of customized anatomy chatbots and their integration with virtual reality (VR). Although the crucial role of medical imaging in the anatomy curriculum is recognized, currently, no AI application has been developed to target this field. This review discusses the currently available AI tools for anatomy teaching. Additionally, the knowledge gaps and future directions of AI in medical education, especially anatomy education, are also discussed. With the present advances in AI technologies, their application in anatomical education is still deficient. This review paper provides an overview of recent tools used in anatomy teaching and learning.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/3/283artificial intelligenceneural networksanatomy educationradiological anatomymachine learninghistology
spellingShingle Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla
Sharmila Saran Rajendran
Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali
Yassine Bouchareb
Noushath Shaffi
Adham Al-Rahbi
From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching
Education Sciences
artificial intelligence
neural networks
anatomy education
radiological anatomy
machine learning
histology
title From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching
title_full From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching
title_fullStr From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching
title_full_unstemmed From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching
title_short From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching
title_sort from cadavers to neural networks a narrative review on artificial intelligence tools in anatomy teaching
topic artificial intelligence
neural networks
anatomy education
radiological anatomy
machine learning
histology
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/3/283
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