Beyond the visible - A didactic analysis of plastinates and synthetic 3D models in Anatomy Teaching

Anatomy teaching constitutes a cornerstone of both medical and clinical biomechanics education. While cadaveric dissection has traditionally been considered the gold standard, changes in curriculum structure, reduced contact hours, and logistical constraints have necessitated the development of alternative instructional methods. Modern anatomy teaching encompasses a variety of modalities, including textbooks, atlases, videos, virtual 3D models, clinical imaging, as well as synthetic 3D models and plastinates. Although plastinates are often more expensive and less accessible than synthetic plastic models, research indicates a higher learning outcome when students have access to authentic plastinated specimens. This suggests that plastinates serve as a great alternative, particularly in institutions without access to dissection or wet specimens due to their authenticity, durability, and pedagogical utility. Consequently, plastinates offer significant educational benefits and should be prioritized in medical anatomy curricula to ensure adequate anatomical understanding and knowledge when traditional modalities are unavailable. Moreover, the combined use of plastinates and synthetic plastic models may offer complementary advantages, enriching anatomical education through both realism and accessibility.