In addition to our traditional Human Anatomy Lab (HAL), the UConn School of Medicine uses innovative technology in our new Virtual Anatomy Lab (VAL) to help students span the gap between gross anatomy and state-of-the-art medical imaging. The VAL affords students with the opportunity to learn cross-sectional anatomy and radiologic imaging alongside cadaveric dissection.

Anatomage Virtual Cadaver

Our Anatomage virtual cadaver tables display life-size virtual cadavers, represent authentic cross-sectional anatomy. This allows students to view gross anatomy in axial, sagittal, and coronal slices with full control over the clipping plane and reference lines available. The ability to explore these images and reinforce anatomical relationships provides a powerful link between cadaveric anatomy and radiology images such as CT and MRI scans.

Radiology (RAD) Workstations

There are 16 state-of-the-art radiology workstations in VAL, one for each team in the learning community. Each workstation consists of a micro PC and a 4K 55" monitor to display radiologic studies. Students access a library of de-identified patient images, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and diagnostic procedures using a PACS viewer. They apply their anatomical knowledge to navigate and interpret these clinical and diagnostic images. Live images can be shared with the class from the faculty podium and from each of the student workstations, allowing efficient communication between the teams.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound sessions are also held in the VAL, providing students with hands on experience in this important imaging modality. This allows students to relate surface and internal anatomy, while also learning the essential principles underlying this technology. In the VAL, students perform ultrasound on colleagues as well as patient instructors to visualize normal anatomy. Over the course of the year, students examine musculoskeletal, cardiac, pulmonary, abdominal and pelvic anatomy. Relevant examples of sonographic pathology are provided for comparison to normal imaging.

Physiology

VAL is also used for hands-on physiology labs. Students prepare using KuraCloud modules, then conduct hands-on laboratories to collect and interpret data on several aspects of normal physiology, including EKG, pulmonary function testing, electromyography, exercise physiology and evoked visual potentials.