In recent decades, three-dimensional (3D) printing as an emerging technology, has been utilized for imparting human anatomy knowledge. However, most 3D printed models are rigid anatomical replicas that are unable to represent dynamic spatial relationships between different anatomical structures. In this study, the data obtained from a computed tomography (CT) scan of a normal knee joint were used to design and fabricate a functional knee joint simulator for anatomical education. Utility of the 3D printed simulator was evaluated in comparison with traditional didactic learning in first-year medical students (n = 35), so as to understand how the functional 3D simulator could assist in their learning of human anatomy. The outcome measure was a quiz comprising 11 multiple choice questions based on locking and unlocking of the knee joint. Students in the simulation group (mean score = 85.03%, ±SD 10.13%) performed significantly better than those in the didactic learning group, P < 0.05 (mean score = 70.71%, ±SD 15.13%), which was substantiated by large effect size, as shown by a Cohen's d value of 1.14. In terms of learning outcome, female students who used 3D printed simulators as learning aids achieved greater improvement in their quiz scores as compared to male students in the same group. However, after correcting for the modality of instruction, the sex of the students did not have a significant influence on the learning outcome. This randomized study has demonstrated that the 3D printed simulator is beneficial for anatomical education and can help in enriching students' learning experience. Anat Sci Educ 12: 610-618.

The Asian lower eyelid anatomy differs from its non-Asian counterpart. There was no consistent fusion between the capsulopalpebral fascia and the orbital septum inferior to the inferior tarsal border. No extension of the capsulopalpebral fascia to the skin was observed. The average distance between the inferior retractors and the inferior tarsal plate was 1.44 mm in the normal Asian lower eyelid.

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The presence of a localized pad of adipose tissue on the anterior surface of the medial superior tarsus seems to be a consistent finding in Asians.

The lower part of the vastus medialis, which originates chiefly from the tendon of the adductor magnus, has been designated as the "vastus medialis oblique." This muscle is peculiar to man. The fibers of the muscle are mostly horizontal; therefore they are in a unique position to stabilize the patella against the femur in the later stages of extension of the knee. This article details the anatomic and physiologic features of the vastus medialis oblique.

Computer-aided instruction materials are becoming increasing popular in medical education and particularly in the teaching of human anatomy. This paper describes SnapAnatomy, a new interactive program that the authors designed for independent learning of anatomy. SnapAnatomy is primarily tailored for the beginner student to encourage the learning of anatomy by developing a three-dimensional visualization of human structure that is essential to applications in clinical practice and the understanding of function. The program allows the student to take apart and to accurately put together body components in an interactive, self-paced and variable manner to achieve the learning outcome.

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