Medical Visualization Applied to Anthropologic Education

Indianapolis, IN

Medical Visualization Applied to Anthropologic Education blends anatomical sciences and art together with an anthropologic perspective, crafting a study guide for IUPUI’s Osteology course. Consulting an osteology text book and a human atlas, 19 pages were written, consisting of the following: bones of importance, boney features, important muscles organized by bone, origins and insertions of the bones, functions of the bones, and an aid in understanding terminology. Bones and muscles of importance were chosen based on anthropological application, importance to locomotion, and which bones students tend to have difficulty visualizing. For the illustrations of the study guide, human bones were utilized as reference for accurate representation. These illustrations were first drawn from life via graphite, and recreated through Photoshop for a more organized and cleaner appearance. Bone features were labeled appropriately, numbers consisting with the written portion. Origin and insertions of muscles were then painted over the bones, and were appropriately labeled. Multiple versions of the illustrations are included in the study guide, to provide different applications. For example, a layer with the bone and labeled origin and insertion points would provide material for the students to study and learn. While a layer without labels would allow the students to apply and test their acquired knowledge. To further the project, digital 3-dimensional models were sculpted and provided for study, crafted from 3D scans of human bones. Medical visualization is a powerful tool that has enhanced education for centuries, through providing students with a new perspective.