Horizon of Medical Education Development

Application of Augmented Reality Technology in Anatomy Education: A Review Article

https://doi.org/10.22038/hmed.2024.81995.1411
Volume 16, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 73-83
Horizon of Medical Education Development

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Ensiyeh Choubdaran
Haniye Mastour
Shima Sadat Zarif Nahad

Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract
Introduction: Augmented reality is used in various fields, including medical education. Considering the importance of teaching sciences such as anatomy, which requires three-dimensional models and rotation around axes, using augmented reality in teaching and learning can be effective. Therefore, this study has been conducted to introduce augmented reality and its application in the field of medical science education, specifically in the education of human anatomy, and investigate the effect of this technology's application on the learning of learners.
Materials & Methods:  Using the keywords Medical Education, Anatomy Education, and Augmented Reality, a search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases from 2012 to 2022. All the published experimental and quasi-experimental articles in English and related were extracted and evaluated based on compatibility with the research topic. Selected articles were included in the study for comprehensive review and data extraction.
Results: The use of augmented reality technology can increase students' motivation, learning, immersion, interaction, and understanding of anatomy, encourage them to learn complex anatomy problems, shorten the learning curve, pay attention to details, stimulate students to learn more, and reduce crowding in halls.
Conclusion: Based on the reviewed studies, anatomy education using augmented reality technology can effectively increase learning and improve medical students' understanding of anatomical sciences.

Keywords

Augmented Reality
Anatomy Education
Medical Education
Educational Technology
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