Knowledge of gross human anatomy among Brazilian physical education students: A cross-sectional study

•Physical education students possessed sufficient knowledge of gross human anatomy.•Non-working students achieved higher knowledge than working students.•Students who attended face-to-face and online classes presented similar knowledge.•Further research is essential on related courses. Gross human anatomy is essential in undergraduate programs across biological and health sciences. While extensive literature explores medical students’ knowledge in this area, studies on non-medical students, particularly those in physical education, are scarce. This study assessed the anatomy knowledge among Brazilian physical education students and explored differences based on employment status, type of class instruction (face-to-face vs. online), and involvement in academic activities. Additionally, we investigated students’ perceptions of the assessment instrument and the gross human anatomy course itself. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving physical education students of both sexes, aged 18 and older, from four public Brazilian universities. Participants completed a 15-question multiple-choice survey on human anatomy systems. Correct answers received one point, with a total potential score of 15 points (100%). We categorized scores as excellent (≥ 90%), good (71–89%), sufficient (50–70%), and insufficient (