Creation of a Virtual Anatomy System based on Chinese Visible Human data sets

Purpose Human anatomy learning confronts many difficulties, including the lack of anatomical specimens and limitations in anatomical dissection techniques that can destroy and change the shape and position of anatomic structures. A Virtual Anatomy System can help to overcome these difficulties. Methods Based on the high-resolution thin-sectional anatomical images of the Chinese Visible Human data set, we created a Virtual Anatomical System, including nearly all male and female anatomical structures. Results With this system, medical students can freely observe the detailed anatomical information of the coronal, sagittal, and transverse sections through a 3D-reconstructed realistic model on a personal computer in the local network. Conclusions This Virtual Anatomy System is an easy and direct way for students to learn and understand the shape and the relationship of anatomic structures, which can also make the anatomy learning more interesting. Furthermore, it can help students synthetically master the anatomical knowledge.