Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas: Innovative Anatomy Learning

Abstract

Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas is a subscription-based learning tool for health science students and clinicians to build and strengthen knowledge of human anatomy. This app contains thousands of 3D models of gross anatomy and microanatomy, cadaver lab simulations, comparisons to diagnostic imaging, quizzes, and patient education videos. Here we explore the app’s strengths and weaknesses through discussion of its features and usability.

Quick Review

(1 star: Lowest/5 stars: highest)

Overall rating (1–5): 5

Content: 5

Usability: 5

Pros

This app allows users to explore and learn the gross anatomy and microanatomy of the human body in an interactive and accessible manner through the use of detailed 3D using models and animations.

Cons

The price of this app is significant for trainees.

At a Glance

Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas is a valuable and comprehensive tool for health science students and clinicians to build and strengthen knowledge of human anatomy in an interactive and accessible manner.

Introduction

Anatomy is an intricate and detailed discipline, the mastery of which is foundational to medical education and clinical practice. The Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas app allows you to learn human anatomy interactively and accessibly. This app contains over 10,000 3D models of gross and micro human anatomy, cadaver lab simulations, comparisons to diagnostic imaging, quizzes, and patient education videos. 

Purpose/Features/Content

Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas serves as a comprehensive learning tool for mastery of human anatomy. This app allows users to explore human anatomy through 3D interactive models. The app can be used in any of 7 languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.   

The home screen shows previews of available models. The top menu allows users to view the models by region (i.e., head and neck, thorax, abdomen), by organ system (skeletal, circulatory, nervous) (Fig. 1), or in cross sections. Learners can also view models in a mode simulating a gross anatomy lab (Fig. 2). The 3D images are easily controlled and revolved by touching the screen using a rotating motion of a finger, allowing a comprehensive view of structures (Fig. 3). When viewing a model, you can use the anatomy search tool to locate or add a specific structure. The selected structure will be highlighted in the overall model, allowing users to learn important anatomical relations. Additionally, when a structure is selected, the app offers information such as its correct pronunciation, blood supply, innervation, muscle attachments, and animation of movement. The microanatomy section gives learners an internal look into structures like the eye, ear, layers of the skin, alveolar sacs, and nephrons. 

Fig. 1.

Anatomical models by organ system

Fig. 2.

Gross anatomy lab simulation

Fig. 3.

Anatomical model

Other tools include adding annotations as well as the option to save and share models through email. Users can sign up for a free visible body account which allows you to store custom content in the cloud, available for use on multiple devices. Enabling iCloud access allows access to features across iOS devices. With family sharing set, up to 6 users can use the app.

The app includes select educational videos with the basic subscription. Additional videos are available for in-app purchase. Topics cover foundational medical knowledge such as cell types and show mechanical actions like breathing and paired muscle movements. Furthermore, this app allows for learning as well as assessment of knowledge. Visible Body Human Atlas includes quizzes available by system. These useful quizzes display a relevant model and ask the user to select the appropriate structure. With the tours feature, you can save favorite models and string together custom views to create a 3D presentation.  

Usability

The app is overall extremely easy to navigate. The manipulation of models is smooth and straightforward. The navigation from models back to the home screen, however, is slightly difficult. The back arrow’s size is small, and it is located in the top left corner. When using the app on an iPhone, it is therefore easy to unintentionally click out of the app and bring the user to their own phone home screen. The graphics are very clear, and the quality of the images is strong on the iPhone and iPad.

Good

Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas provides detailed 3D images of human anatomy. Users can rotate models to view the anatomy from any angle. The models are extremely detailed and comprehensive. The app allows for learning as well as assessment of knowledge. This app is extremely useful and accessible for both students and clinicians.

Room for Improvement

The only area in which we believe the app can improve is in affordability. The yearly price of $24.99 plus additional costs for in-app purchases can be significant for students and trainees. 

App Specs

App icon URL

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/human-anatomy-atlas-2021/id1117998129

App Name

Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas 2021

App developer

VB Learning

App developer website

Visiblebody.com

App price

$24.99/Year

Apple App Store URL

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/human-anatomy-atlas-2021/id1117998129

Google Play Store URL

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.visiblebody.atlas&hl=en_US&gl=US

Category

Medical

Compatibility

Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Works offline

Y

FDA approval

N/A

Promotion code

N/A

Availability of Data and Material

Available to general public.

Declarations

Disclaimer

No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.