Fall 2024 welcomed not only one of the largest freshman cohorts in The University of Tulsa’s history, but also two digitized human cadavers known as Anatomage Tables. “These state-of-the-art platforms enable students in anatomy and physiology labs to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom at an advanced level,” explained biology instructor Ana Trujano.
Housed in the Human Anatomy and Human Physiology Laboratory in Oliphant Hall, the Anatomage Tables are a continuation of Oxley College of Health & Natural Science’s longstanding commitment to supporting student learning with advanced, relevant technology. Using these devices, students can now see the human body from the superficial layer – skin – all the way down to the deepest structures that form its framework, including bones, muscles, nerves, and organs.
“One of the most exciting and beneficial elements is that our students now can perform dissections on the entire body and its organs using different planes and sections,” Trujano remarked. This is possible because the tables give students the opportunity to rotate and view structures from various angles, which enhances their understanding of the human body’s complex anatomical structures.
“I really enjoy using the Anatomage Tables,” said Jacob Pogue, a biological science senior. “I am a visual learner, so the 3D anatomy tools help me consolidate the material.”
Another notable feature of these digital cadavers is the ability for students to observe physiological simulations, such as childbirth and the circulation of blood. In addition, the tables allow them to learn using case studies, including ectopic pregnancy, lung disease, and gastric perforation.
“All in all,” noted Trujano, “the Anatomage Tables are an outstanding opportunity for us to give UTulsa students a strong foundation in gross anatomy in the early years of their undergraduate education, and that’s one of the most powerful ways to prepare them for fulfilling, impactful careers in health care and the natural sciences.”