A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO ANATOMICAL TEACHING MODALITIES: DISSECTION TABLES AND CONVENTIONAL MODELS

Few studies have directly compared virtual dissection tables with traditional models for teaching anatomy. This study provides a direct comparison to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each method. Methods: This randomized experimental study was conducted on first-year MBBS students at National medical college, Nepal, from April to May 2025. Students were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n=58) was taught using a virtual anatomical dissection table, while Group B (n=58) was taught using traditional anatomical models. Neither group had prior experience with either tool. At the end of the study, both groups took the same multiple-choice question test. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference in test scores between the two groups. Students taught with the virtual dissection table (Group A) scored significantly higher than those taught with traditional models (Group B), with a p-value of less than 0.001, indicating a highly significant difference. Conclusion: Teaching anatomy with the virtual dissection table is significantly more effective than teaching with traditional models