Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger最新文献

{"title":"Equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in anatomy: The guidelines of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA)","authors":"Bernard Moxham ,&nbsp;Odile Plaisant ,&nbsp;Beverley Kramer ,&nbsp;Diogo Pais","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152821","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152821","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The principles underpinning Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) are seen by many as being essential in contemporary society while others consider it disparaging and claim it can negatively affect meritocracy. In the USA, EDI is referred to as DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity) and appears to be under attack by the present governmental agencies. Indeed, multinational companies and other governments are responding in various ways, including partial compliance and outright resistance. Wherever one stands politically on the matter, the International Federation of Anatomical Associations (IFAA) has promulgated a strong statement of intent concerning the importance of EDI and the IFAA Executive, through its Federative International Committee for Equality and Diversity in Anatomy (FICEDA), has also provided guidelines for EDI based on the results of a survey of the IFAA’s member associations. The findings of that survey are presented in this article and show a clear recognition by virtually all member associations of the importance of EDI, while highlighting some areas lacking diversity and inclusivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 152821"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147373682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Formaldehyde use in the anatomy laboratory and the pregnant or breastfeeding student dissector navigating the challenges of toxicological uncertainty and institutional policy","authors":"Niels Hammer ,&nbsp;Karl Stöger ,&nbsp;Veronica Antipova","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152813","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152813","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Formaldehyde is essential for anatomical preservation but is associated with potential health risks. The evidence for reproductive toxicity at laboratory exposure levels remains uncertain, and institutional policies are characterized by inconsistency, creating a critical challenge for pregnant and breastfeeding medical students.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was conducted to synthesize evidence on two key areas: 1) the strength of evidence for adverse effects from anatomy laboratory-level formaldehyde exposure (typically 0.1–2.0 ppm) on pregnant individuals, fetuses, and breastfed infants, and 2) the current landscape of institutional policies and alternative educational approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Formaldehyde levels in dissection facilities were confirmed to frequently exceed current public health precautionary limits (0.1 ppm; will partially be lowered to 0.05 ppm in near future), with irritant symptoms being widely reported. Developmental toxicity is demonstrated in animal studies, though at doses vastly higher and durations much longer than those encountered in the anatomy laboratory. Human epidemiological data are limited by confounding, though an increased risk for spontaneous abortion is suggested. Furthermore, institutional policies were found to be largely absent or fragmented, with the burden of risk assessment often being shifted onto students.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>It is concluded that a risk-management model is the optimal path forward. This model prioritizes engineering controls to reduce exposure for all, coupled with supportive accommodations for pregnant students, thereby mitigating both physical and psychosocial risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 152813"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147319208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex-related differences in femorotibial cartilage thickness: A matched pair analysis","authors":"Noël Spoelder ,&nbsp;Tom D. Turmezei ,&nbsp;Dimitri A. Kessler ,&nbsp;James W. Mackay ,&nbsp;Simon C. Mastbergen ,&nbsp;Marcel Karperien ,&nbsp;Mylène P. Jansen ,&nbsp;Felix Eckstein","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152824","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152824","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Women are more frequently affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) than men. Differences in knee cartilage thickness have been proposed as an explanation, but it remains unclear whether these differences reflect true sex-specific variation or differences in body size. Clarifying this may improve our understanding of sex-specific mechanisms in knee OA development. The objective of this study was to quantify and visualize cartilage thickness differences between men and women without radiographic knee OA matched for age and body size.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Subjects without radiographic signs of knee OA were selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). Male-female pairs were matched (1:1) for age (±5 years), BMI (±2 kg/m²), and height (±1 cm). Cartilage thickness was assessed from 3 T MRI data using compartmental analysis and whole-joint 3D cartilage surface mapping (CaSM). Paired t-tests (for compartmental analysis) and statistical parametric mapping (F-tests for CaSM) were applied to compare sexes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>126 Subjects were included (age 57.7 ± 8.4 years; BMI 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m²; height 169.5 ± 5.3 cm). Cartilage was thicker in men than in women in both the lateral (0.41 ± 0.56 mm) and medial (0.38 ± 0.62 mm) femorotibial compartment (both p &lt; 0.001). CaSM identified five femorotibial regions with significant sex differences (p &lt; 0.05), largest in the trochlea (16.1%; men: 2.83 ± 0.46 mm; women: 2.44 ± 0.36 mm).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Even when matched for age and body size, men display thicker femorotibial cartilage than women, with the greatest disparity in the trochlea. These inherent sex-related cartilage thickness differences may contribute to the higher prevalence of knee OA in women and highlight the importance of considering sex in OA research and treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 152824"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147373700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex-based representation in anatomical atlases: An analysis of illustrations used in anatomy teaching in Poland","authors":"Zygmunt Domagala ,&nbsp;Bartosz Ros ,&nbsp;Marcel Zuber ,&nbsp;Marcin Banasiuk ,&nbsp;Michał Gas ,&nbsp;Oliwia Januszek ,&nbsp;Oliwia Swigon ,&nbsp;Marta Wanat ,&nbsp;Mateusz Mazurek ,&nbsp;Agnieszka Pinkowska ,&nbsp;Slawomir Wozniak","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite increasing awareness of issues related to sex and gender representation in medical education, previous studies have shown that anatomical atlases often present the male body as the default anatomical model, with female bodies more frequently depicted in sex-specific contexts. However, little is known about how such global visual patterns are reflected in atlases officially recommended within national medical curricula. The aim of this study was to assess sex-based representation in anatomical illustrations contained in the most frequently recommended atlases used at Polish medical universities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Based on publicly available syllabi, curricula, and mandatory reading lists from Polish medical faculties, the most commonly recommended atlases were identified. In total, 5293 illustrations from the three most frequently recommended atlases were analyzed. Each image depicting the human body or its parts was classified according to sex (where identifiable), type of illustration, viewing perspective, mode of presentation, and presence of sex-specific anatomical content. Classification was performed manually using a standardized coding sheet; in cases of uncertainty, decisions were made by consensus among three members of the research team.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Images depicting male bodies were more frequent (13.5–25.3%) than those depicting female bodies (6.8–10.4%). In most cases (64.0–79.4%), sex could not be determined. Painted anatomical illustrations predominated across the atlases (81.6–95.1%), while sex-specific anatomical content accounted for only 6.4–11.2% of all images, with mammary gland anatomy representing less than 0.5%. Male bodies were more often shown in whole-body views, whereas female bodies were depicted predominantly in association with reproductive organs and mammary gland anatomy. The male-to-female ratio of sex-identifiable images ranged from 2.00 to 2.43.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The atlases most commonly used in Polish anatomical education demonstrate a persistent imbalance in sex-based visual representation. Male bodies are depicted more frequently in general anatomical contexts, whereas female bodies appear predominantly in sex-specific illustrations. Such patterns may limit students’ exposure to anatomical variability and contribute to the persistence of androcentric norms in medical education. These findings highlight the need for more balanced and context-aware visual resources in anatomy teaching.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 152825"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial intelligence in animal anatomy: Exploring the technologies, applications, benefits, and challenges","authors":"Rekha Khandia ,&nbsp;Somya Rajput ,&nbsp;Pankaj Gurjar","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152796","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152796","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Animal anatomy is revolutionised by use of digital techniques where it is implicated in research, education, and diagnostics. Modern computational tools assist in analysis and mimic human logic and reasoning to solve a problem. Digital technology might assist in handling various issues related to academics and research which encompass ethical issues, unavailability of specimens, and high costs linked with the manual laboratories.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This review encompasses the application of machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) in veterinary anatomical science with focus on computer vision and 3D modelling. ML algorithms are routinely employed to automate medical imaging tasks such as detection, segmentation and classification of structures from images, in a time-efficient and consistent manner compared to traditional methods. The range of applications for modern imaging and visualization tools spans from brain segmentation in preclinical studies to the minor importance of the assessment of highly complex anatomical traits across species. For instance, using micro-computed tomography and sophisticated image processing, researchers are already conducting evolutionary and comparative studies using quick and reliable analysis techniques. In the teaching environment, virtual environments and 3D interactive platforms or models have become useful aids, as students learn better when presented with more engaging and spatially contextualised content. Furthermore, it also addresses the issues and limitations of using cadavers in teaching.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed animal anatomy by improved imaging accuracy, analysis and diagnosis using various algorithms that helped decreasing human error and time. Deep learning-powered augmented reality tools and 3D modelling platforms, such as the Anatomage Table, which enable hands-on training on a digital cadaver, enhance learning with unlimited attempts. Moreover, educational AI models such as &lt;em&gt;Esp&lt;/em&gt;INA and ZeBraInspector support volumetric analysis, anatomical reconstruction, and evolutionary research. The diagnosis of liver malignancies, tracheal collapse, and other veterinary conditions has also become more efficient, rapid, and accurate. However, challenges remain, including data scarcity, inconsistencies across species, and limited standardised veterinary datasets comparable to human dataset and frameworks.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;AI-driven technologies have revolutionized animal anatomy across various areas including education, research, and diagnosis. They have played a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, precision, and accessibility while bypassing many ethical hurdles and resource limitations. The combination of machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, virtual modelling, and language models has significantly improved anatomical visualization. Despite these benefits, c","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 152796"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Light as a feather: A novel approach for whole- feather microstructure imaging through tissue clearing and autofluorescence imaging","authors":"Marwa Moulzir,&nbsp;Doriane Hazart,&nbsp;Brigitte Delhomme,&nbsp;Martin Oheim ,&nbsp;Clément Ricard","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feathers have long held a profound symbolic meaning for humanity across cultures and throughout history. Today, the growing scientific interest in feathers highlights their relevance in diverse fields, including avian biology, evolution and biomimetic applications. The development of new methods that can simplify and improve research on feathers is therefore of great importance. This study introduces a simple and effective pipeline for three-dimensional imaging of the internal and external structure of entire bird feathers. We report the clearing of feathers, rendering them entirely transparent — a process that, to the best of our knowledge, has never been achieved before. Our approach makes it possible to image the feather’s 3-D architecture on a standard confocal microscope available in most research labs or imaging core facilities. What is more, we performed label-free imaging by autofluorescence detection. Our technique permits high-resolution visualization of micro-structures with minimal preparation and no destructive processing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 152781"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variations and proximal branching types of the superficial branch of the radial nerve: A dissectional study","authors":"Tomáš Herma ,&nbsp;Anhelina Khadanovich ,&nbsp;Ondřej Volný ,&nbsp;Radek Kaiser ,&nbsp;David Kachlík","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) innervates skin of dorsoradial aspect of hand, thumb, index finger and a half of middle finger. While the anatomical variations are of clinical relevance, several studies aimed to describe different branching types over the radial foveola. The aim of this study was to describe branching pattern as well as anatomical variations of the SBRN in a large sample of body donors’ limbs.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>Two hundred and four formaldehyde fixed body donors’ upper limbs of Central European origin were dissected. The branching of the SBRN and adjacent structures was measured in relationship to the styloid process of the radius. Four branching types based on the number of SBRN branches and their course were described, the number of secondary and tertiary branches and the main branching points were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We have identified four types of the proximal SBRN branching. While there exists a high variability in the nerve branching, over 90 % of dissected limbs had one of the two most common patterns of branching (while 88 % had the most common branching type). We have observed connection with the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in 19/204 cases (9.3 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Despite the high variability in the location of SBRN branching and number of secondary branches, the majority of cases represents a single type of proximal branching. With the sample exceeding 200 limbs, we were able to observe rare variations. The branching classification is easily understandable and could be further expanded by subsequent research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 152800"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146054502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Iodometry: A straightforward “tank side-test” to determine formaldehyde concentrations in anatomical tanks","authors":"Michael Kohr ,&nbsp;Carla L. Janko ,&nbsp;Anne-Marie Schmidt ,&nbsp;Armin A. Weber ,&nbsp;Markus R. Meyer ,&nbsp;Stefan Wagenpfeil ,&nbsp;Carola Meier ,&nbsp;Thomas Tschernig","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In anatomical preservation, low formaldehyde concentrations are recommended because of the carcinogenic potential of formaldehyde. However, in big basins with a varying number of bodies inside it may be difficult to estimate the formaldehyde concentration. Here, a feasible titration method, i.e. iodometry, was described to measure formaldehyde concentrations in anatomical preservation tanks. This method was compared to head-space mass spectrometry-. Results of triplet measurements of the iodometry were coherent and fitted to nominal formaldehyde concentrations. The formaldehyde concentrations in the preservation tanks were found to be in the anticipated ranges between 2 % and 4 %. Therefore, an estimation of the formaldehyde concentration in preservation tanks is possible using the described quick and cost-effective method.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 152794"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infraoccluded primary molars: New findings from the last 10 years − A systematic review","authors":"Teresa Temming ,&nbsp;Susanne Waldmann ,&nbsp;Anahita Jablonski-Momeni ,&nbsp;Heike Korbmacher-Steiner","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152784","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152784","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This review summarises recent findings from the past decade on infraoccluded primary molars, focusing on diagnosis, aetiology, prevalence, associated findings and clinical consequences, and to compare these with earlier literature to support improved clinical management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, evaluating MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase from 2014 to 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI), cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies published in English and German were included. Case series, case reports, expert opinions and commentaries were excluded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 2816 publications identified, 30 met the inclusion criteria after screening and full-text review. These studies addressed prevalence (n = 17), retained molars (n = 4), retained molars without successors (n = 5), aetiology (n = 1), diagnosis (n = 1), mandibular growth impact (n = 1), and interventions (n = 1).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Current evidence provides new insights into the aetiology and clinical management of infraoccluded primary molars. Genetic factors, particularly those related to epithelial development and inflammatory signalling pathways, are increasingly recognised. Conservative treatment approaches have gained traction, emphasizing alveolar preservation over orthodontic considerations of craniofacial growth. Most cases are mild and occur unilaterally in mandibular first primary molars. Early-onset infraocclusion is linked to a less favourable prognosis. Root resorption shows age-related variability. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding the association of infraocclusion with root resorption, especially in cases of tooth agenesis, and its correlation with mandibular growth rotation. Additionally, prevalence data remain inconsistent due to heterogenous classification, underscoring the need for further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 152784"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146004525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Invisible women in anatomy: Medical students’ perceptions of sex representation in anatomical atlases","authors":"Zygmunt Domagala ,&nbsp;Bartosz Ros ,&nbsp;Katarzyna Siekaniec ,&nbsp;Katarzyna Siwek ,&nbsp;Emilia Kielczynska ,&nbsp;Emiliya Abukhovich ,&nbsp;Patrycja Tabaka ,&nbsp;Mateusz Mazurek ,&nbsp;Slawomir Wozniak","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152795","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152795","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Anatomical atlases remain a core resource in anatomy education, yet their visual content has long been criticised for imbalanced representation of female and male bodies. While numerous studies have analysed the content of atlases and textbooks, far less is known about how such representations are perceived by medical students themselves.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>An anonymous survey was conducted among first- and second-year medical students from two academic centres in Poland. A structured, exploratory questionnaire included demographic items and eight Likert-scale statements addressing the educational role of anatomical atlases and perceptions of sex representation in anatomical imagery. A composite sex-representation awareness score was calculated from items Q2–Q8. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, non-parametric item-level comparisons, and model-based regression analysis to examine the association between students’ perceptions and sex, academic centre, and year of study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 257 students participated in the study. No significant differences in the composite awareness score were observed between academic centres or years of study. In contrast, students’ sex emerged as a significant predictor: female students demonstrated higher awareness of insufficient female body representation in anatomical atlases compared with male students. Item-level analyses showed that female students more frequently recognised the predominance of male depictions and associated the lack of female representation with potential educational consequences, whereas male students more often accepted the existing visual dominance of male figures.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Medical students are aware of sex imbalance in anatomical atlases, with female students showing greater sensitivity to this issue. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating students’ perspectives into discussions of anatomical education and support the need for more balanced and inclusive visual representations in teaching materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 152795"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}