Guided Anatomy: Embedding Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Teaching and Research at Bristol

The Functional and Clinical Anatomy (iBSc
FCA) program at the University of Bristol
embeds donor magnetic resonance (MR)
imaging into student projects and dissection.
This integration of imaging, dissection, and
student research arose from a strong desire by
professional program students to engage with
anatomy and research in a meaningful way.
Our unique approach to embedding imaging
in our program involves the acquisition of
MR images for each donor and use of these (1)
in dissection, to improve anatomy and medical
imaging understanding, and (2) as a data
source for student research.
Each donor undergoes a full-body scan
prior to embalming and dissection, facilitated
by a bespoke and novel protocol for T1- and
T2-weighted cadaveric scans. Students are
provided with a dissection guide but are
required to adapt their dissection plans according
to the unique presentations of their
cadaver. Scans are accessible throughout sessions
in the dissection room and for preparation
work. This has allowed students to
investigate diagnoses, “normal” anatomy, anatomical
variation, medical/surgical intervention,
and pathology. It also creates an
opportunity to become more comfortable with
reading anatomical scans in multiple planes
with confirmations via their dissection and
creates the potential for research.
This chapter describes the steps taken to
create and embed MRI scans within the iBSc
program, discusses the challenges encountered,
and describes the opportunities for
emergent teaching and research that the integration
of scanning and dissection provides.