Tech gives virtual leg up on anatomy lessons at A&M-Texarkana

TEXARKANA, Texas — When stu- dents in biology and anatomy classes at Texas A&M University-Texarkana enter the classroom, they are now greeted with a new, high-tech piece of equipment to help them better understand human and animal bodies.

Earlier this year, the university acquired and installed an Anatomage Table in the science and technology building.

The Anatomage Table is an interactive 3D anatomy and physiology learning tool that helps students learn through virtual dissection. Billed as the most technically advanced 3D visualization and dissection tool on the market, the table is finding its way into universities and medical schools around the globe and is helping to prepare students for life after graduation, whether in health care, the classroom or in research.

The table allows for an immersive educational experience. Users can visualize anatomy exactly as they would with a cadaver. Individual structures are reconstructed in 3D and can be dissected via a life-sized touchscreen.

“Seeing anatomy in a 3D space helps me to visualize what I’m learning in class,” said Logan Buck, a senior biology major from Hooks, Texas. “The case studies give good examples for real-world jobs.”

Dr. David Allard, regents professor of biology at A&M-Texarkana, said the technology is an effective substitute for an actual cadaver.

“You can also isolate various systems like the circulatory or respiratory systems to study the various parts. I think the machine helps students not only see the big picture, but they can also drill down to observe structures in great detail,” Allard said.

A&M-Texarkana offers a Bachelor of Science with minors in environmental science, pre-health and chemistry. The program also offers degrees with teaching certifications in biology, composite science and life science.

“Seeing anatomy in a

3D space helps me to visualize what I’m learning in class.”

— Logan Buck