Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger最新文献

{"title":"The caudal commencement of the azygos and hemiazygos veins revisited: They are not a direct continuation of the ascending lumbar veins","authors":"Dustin Bauer ,&nbsp;Michael L. Pretterklieber ,&nbsp;Bettina Pretterklieber","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Contradictory information concerning the formation of the azygos and hemiazygos veins and their relation to the diaphragm is given in anatomical textbooks. Often, they are described to be a direct continuation of the right resp. left ascending lumbar veins. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate their caudal commencement and course. We hypothesize that both veins originate from several tributaries and are not a direct continuation of the ascending lumbar veins.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>20 formalin-embalmed human anatomic specimens were dissected. Caudal commencement and relation to the diaphragm of the azygos and hemiazygos veins were examined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The azygos (100 %) and hemiazygos veins (90 %) were mostly formed by dorsal and ventral roots within the thorax. The dorsal root was almost always formed by the confluence of the ascending lumbar and subcostal veins and coursed dorsal to the psoas major muscle, thus far dorsally to the diaphragm. The ventral root was formed variably from the upper lumbar veins or from the inferior vena cava for the azygos vein, and from the left renal or upper lumbar veins for the hemiazygos vein. It passed the diaphragm variably either through the aortic hiatus or through its crura.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The azygos and hemiazygos veins stem almost exclusively from the confluence of a dorsal and ventral root uniting ventrolaterally to the body of the 12th thoracic vertebra cranial to the diaphragm. Due to their position, only the ventral root passes the diaphragm whereas the dorsal root has no contact to the diaphragm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 152793"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039466","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":"The sciatic gliding space","authors":"Karolina Böllinger ,&nbsp;Dina Wiersbicki ,&nbsp;Vaclav Klicnik ,&nbsp;Andreas Wolfgang Reske ,&nbsp;Wolfgang Gruener ,&nbsp;Charlotte Kulow ,&nbsp;Hanno Steinke","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152778","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152778","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study investigates the connective tissue structures that enable the sciatic nerve to glide through the deep gluteal and upper limb area. Characterizing the gliding space may improve the understanding of non-discogenic sciatica and support clinical approaches to its treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty limbs of alcohol- and Thiel-fixed specimens (21 female, 9 male; mean age 85.2 years) were examined using macroscopic dissection. Additional visualization was achieved through methacrylate corrosion casts. Ultrasound examinations were performed on specimens and two healthy volunteers to assess the sciatic nerve and its surrounding connective tissue during movements.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Dissections consistently revealed a C-shaped anatomical space surrounding the sciatic nerve, bordered by distinct connective tissue folds (“arches”) linking the nerve to pelvitrochanteric muscles and the adductor magnus muscle. This Sciatic Gliding Space (SGS) extended from the infrapiriform foramen into the proximal thigh, where it was divided by a sagittal septum. The SGS was identifiable through blunt dissection, injection, and sonography. Sonography demonstrated its dynamic adaptation during hip rotation. In 29 of 30 cases, the SGS appeared unobstructed, while one case showed fibrous structures comparable to fibrovascular tissue described in deep gluteal syndrome.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The SGS represents a structured anatomical space bordered by lamina of connective tissue (telae). It may facilitate vascular supply and tension-free gliding of the sciatic nerve. Recognition of this space may provide an anatomical basis for sciatic pain syndromes and guide endoscopic and sonographic diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152778"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953617","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":"Anatomical feasibility study on direct coaptation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve to the tensor fasciae latae muscle nerve as a treatment for meralgia paresthetica by targeted muscle reinnervation","authors":"Jérémy Hardy ,&nbsp;Fabien Fredon ,&nbsp;Cynthia Abane ,&nbsp;Sylvaine Durand Fontanier","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152780","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Surgical treatment of meralgia paresthetica (MP) is difficult, with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) neurectomy appearing to give the best results at the cost of a potentially painful post-resection neuroma.</div><div>The targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) surgical technique allows the axons of a damaged sensory nerve to regrow into the motor end plates of a muscle, thus preventing the formation of a neuroma.</div><div>This study describes the use of the terminal branch of the superior gluteal nerve for the tensor fasciae latae muscle (bSGN/TFL) as a recipient for LFCN regrowth for the treatment of MP by TMR.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>20 dissections were performed on 10 fresh frozen donated bodies (mean age: 81.9, sex ratio 0.5). Using a single approach, the bSGN/TFL was accessed at its entry into the TFL muscle and dissected retrogradely as far as the space between the TFL muscle and the gluteus medius muscle allowed, then sectioned. The bSGN/TFL was then coapted with the LFCN stump above the inguinal ligament.</div></div><div><h3>Main results</h3><div>In all cases, coaptation was achieved. The maximum length of bSGN/TFL that could be harvested via a single incision was 7.1 (5−11) cm. The average length of bSGN/TFL required to achieve coaptation was 5.7 (4.3–9) cm. Intraneural dissection of one of the SGN branches to the gluteus muscles was necessary in 16 cases.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion/Conclusion</h3><div>TMR appears to be the only technique capable of both treating neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia secondary to MP. This technique could be used as a first-line treatment and/or in cases where neurectomies have failed to treat MP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152780"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145919371","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":"Role of artificial intelligence in veterinary anatomical diagnostics and zoonotic disease monitoring","authors":"Ehsanullah ,&nbsp;Bakhtawar Maqbool ,&nbsp;Muhammad Imran Arshad ,&nbsp;Nagah M. Abourashed ,&nbsp;Shafia Tehseen Gul","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152756","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152756","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The use of artificial intelligence (AI) also playing a significant role in veterinary medicine due to the changing pattern of diseases in terms of climatic changes and advances in treatment protocols. About 60 % of emerging human diseases are zoonotic mainly originating from animals, so the conventional diagnostic tools and traceability protocols are not fast enough, precise and lack of ability to handle large number of cases. Use of AI tools can make a big difference in diagnosis of diseases/problems through diagnostic images, predicting outbreaks through the data from previous records ultimately leading to improved monitoring of zoonotic diseases in terms of early warning systems for future outbreaks, multisectoral collaborations to improve the health of humans, animals and environments. In diagnosis, AI shows great effectiveness, like being able to spot more than 90 % of bone and joint issues in X-rays, predicting sickness in farm animals up to two to three days before they show symptoms, and even predicting animal diseases those can transmitted to humans up to weeks in advance by looking at data about the environment changes and animals’ movements. But adoption to these AI systems is still not common because of many reasons including scattered data, lack of understanding about algorithms, ethical issues, and unequal access to technology etc.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>As climate change speeds up the spread of diseases from animals to humans, AI is becoming a crucial tool for reaching health goals that affect both people and animals. But this will happen only if AI is used fairly and responsibly. This summary shows that working together across different fields is important to combine new technology with expert knowledge from vets. The goal is to use AI to support, not take over, what doctors do, and to make advanced care available to everyone around the world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152756"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145625402","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":"Pre-foraminal vertebral artery variation in the United States: A multi-institutional cadaveric study","authors":"Jacob Tiell ,&nbsp;Jodie Foster ,&nbsp;Matt Vilburn ,&nbsp;Megan Perry ,&nbsp;Casey Boothe ,&nbsp;Erin Norcross ,&nbsp;Oheneba Boadum ,&nbsp;Marli Crabtree ,&nbsp;Nathan Tullos ,&nbsp;Caroline Gundler","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152770","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152770","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>While vertebral artery (VA) variants are uncommon, they may be more prevalent than previously reported. To date, there are no cadaveric studies that have examined VA segment 1 variations or defined normal VA anatomy in U.S. whole-body donors. This study addresses that gap through a multi-year, multi-state cadaveric analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Donors (n = 188) from Ohio, Nebraska, and Mississippi were dissected to expose the pre-foraminal VA which were then categorized as normal or variant. Collected data included artery origin, vertebral level of origin, entrance level, diameter, lengths in relaxed/taut states, distance from subclavian or carotid origin, and demographics. Data were analyzed using T tests, Chi-Square, and Fisher’s exact tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Normal segment 1 VA anatomy was present in 86.17 % of donors; 13.83 % exhibited anomalies, including abnormal origin (4.79 %), high entrance (10.64 %), and double VA (1.06 %). Most origin anomalies involved the left VA (LVA) originating from the aortic arch. High entrance anomalies were more frequent on the right. Anomalies decreased in donors over 80, with no sex association. The LVA had a significantly larger origin diameter than the right (5.31 mm vs. 4.77 mm; p &lt; 0.001). Tortuosity increased with age and was greater in females on the right (p = 0.025).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The U.S. anomaly prevalence for the V1 segment may be higher (13.83 %) than what is reported in the literature, particularly concerning high entrance VAs. These findings have clinical implications, as VA variants may complicate vascular procedures. Increased LVA tortuosity with age suggests remodeling, and fewer anomalies in older donors may relate to longevity. This study supports the need for region-specific anatomical data and emphasizes the importance of preoperative imaging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152770"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679633","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":"Proportional localisation of the peroneal nerve along the fibula","authors":"Gloria Maria Hohenberger ,&nbsp;Marco Johannes Maier ,&nbsp;Michael Pretterklieber ,&nbsp;Niels Hammer ,&nbsp;Bettina Pretterklieber","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152757","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152757","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The common peroneal nerve (CPN) and the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) are among the most commonly iatrogenically injured peripheral nerves. The aim of this study was to localize the division point of the CPN into the deep peroneal nerve (DPN) and SPN and the exit point of the SPN through the crural fascia in relation to the length of the fibula.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>101 lower extremities were included in this given study. The distance between the apex of the fibular head and the distal tip of the lateral malleolus was defined as the fibular length (FL). Measurements were taken from the apex of the fibular head to the division site of the CPN and from the tip of the lateral malleolus and the perforation point of the SPN. Data were projected proportionally along the FL and analysed using Dirichlet regression models. The rationale behind this approach was to predict the location of these anatomical characteristics in a reliable manner. Due to variations of anatomical structures depending on body length (e.g., taller people tend to have longer fibulae), it is reasonable to assume that the CPN's/SPN's location may also vary proportionally and is not fixed in relation to the lateral malleolus.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean FL was 37.2 cm (SD: 2.8; median: 36.9; range: 32.4–45.6; IQR: 3.6). The CPN’s division point was located at a mean of 3.3 cm (SD: 1.2; median: 3.2; range: 1.6 cm proximal to 8.2 cm distal to the tip; IQR: 1.3) distal to the apex of the fibular head, which corresponded to an interval between 3.9 % and 15.9 % of the FL, starting from the same landmark. The exit point of the SPN was at an average length of 17.1 cm (SD: 4.5; median: 17.1; range: 7–23.7; IQR: 7.9) proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus, matching a proportional interval between 23.9 % and 69.0 % of the FL. Concerning the division point of the CPN, there was less precision (i.e., more variance) in females (p = .042) and right-sided specimens (p = .007), compared to male left-sided specimens. Regarding the SPN’s perforation point, compared to fixation with ethanol and left-sided specimens, the diversion point was higher in Thiel-specimens (p = .034) and the interaction (Thiel on the right side; p = .029).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current results offer easily applicable data for intraoperative localisation of the peroneal nerve’s main portions at risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152757"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145650300","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":"Investigation of the pull-off forces for implant-supported overdentures with two resilient attachment systems","authors":"Nicole Gumprecht ,&nbsp;Anna Weber ,&nbsp;Christoph Bourauel ,&nbsp;Istabrak Dörsam","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Here we evaluated the retention of two implant-supported overdenture attachment systems - Locator and CM-LOC - on edentulous mandibular models. We compared the retention force between these systems based on implant number and position, addressing complications like loss of retention and ease of denture removal. Implants were placed in various configurations (two, three or four implants) and two attachment systems were tested using different retention inserts. Locator system generally provided higher pull-off forces than the CM-LOC system, especially with the red and transparent inserts. However, the CM-LOC system showed less complications, such as loss of retention element. In terms of axial and non-axial pull-off tests, Locator system performed better than the CM-LOC system, particularly in the non-axial direction, which closely reflects real-life conditions. The results showed that implant angulation and choice of attachment system were critical factors influencing resulting retention forces. Overall, the study concluded that while the Locator system achieved high retention forces, the CM-LOC system had less complications and might be a better option for patients with difficulties in denture removal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152755"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145625400","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":"Human tissue research ethics and consent models: Global reflections in anatomical sciences","authors":"S. Singh ,&nbsp;BZ De Gama ,&nbsp;P. Pillay","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152774","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152774","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Human tissue research has evolved to include three-dimensional (3-D) printing, genetic research, digital imaging of human tissue, plastination, and the public display of human tissue. This has resulted in several concerns about ethical acquisition, storage, and use of human tissue, particularly informed consent. This empirical study obtained the perspectives and viewpoints of anatomists and researchers across five countries on the ethical components of human tissue research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty in-depth Zoom interviews were conducted with participants from South Africa, the United States of America (USA), New Zealand, Germany, and France. Participants shared their perspectives and viewpoints on informed consent models, ethical challenges surrounding human tissue research, and existing gaps in policy guidelines. The data was analysed using thematic and content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants (57 %) indicated that human tissue research on the living and deceased is ethically different; hence, requires separate policy guidelines and regulations. There was a clear preference for ‘broad consent’ and ‘fully informed consent’ when conducting research on living humans and using cadaveric tissue, respectively. Key ethical challenges and policy gaps were identified as contemporary human tissue research, commercialising human tissue, consent for foetal tissue, and using unconsented skeletal collections and unidentified bodies for human tissue research.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study highlights the moral complexity of contemporary human tissue research. It underscores the necessity for context-specific consent models and regulatory alignment for commercialisation and contemporary research uses of human tissue. Additionally, recommendations are provided to fill the policy gaps highlighted on consent models and ethical challenges in human tissue research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152774"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844533","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":"The supply of bodies to the Erlangen Institute of Anatomy during National Socialism","authors":"Tim S. Goldmann ,&nbsp;Michael Scholz ,&nbsp;Friedrich Paulsen ,&nbsp;Mathias Schütz ,&nbsp;Fritz Dross","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152777","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152777","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During the Nazi era, the Institute of Anatomy of what is now Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg received bodies from institutions involved in Nazi crimes. As the body register (Leicheneingangsbuch) from April 1933 to September 1946 is missing, the provenance of anatomical body procurement at Erlangen during this period and certain specimens within the anatomical legacy collection there have remained unclear. Archival material from municipal, state and national archives, university records, and the specimens themselves were examined. Primary sources were analysed to identify the scientific use of human remains from victims of National Socialism. Secondary literature was reviewed to contextualise findings within previous research.</div><div>391 people, whose bodies were brought to the Institute of Anatomy in Erlangen from 1933 to 1944, were counted, and for 323 of them names could be reconstructed. The bodies were delivered from hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, workhouses, and execution sites. Vulnerable groups – such as patients, forced labourers, and children – were affected. The Erlangen anatomical legacy collection contains 84 datable Nazi era histological specimens (1936–1942), including identifiable victims from Munich-Stadelheim prison. Personnel and institutional continuities existed after 1945.</div><div>This study offers the first in-depth analysis of Erlangen’s anatomical body procurement during National Socialism, documenting identifiable Nazi victims. Although the original body register is missing, the findings demonstrate the need for systematic provenance research across all macroscopic and microscopic holdings and case-based investigations of identified individuals. The study provides a foundation for further, interdisciplinary research into the provenance and ethical reassessment of the anatomical collection in Erlangen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152777"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145906777","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":"Neurocognitive outcomes of reinforced representational modelling in anatomical learning: The role of executive functions","authors":"Lorena Latre-Navarro ,&nbsp;Alejandro Quintas-Hijós","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152783","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2026.152783","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study examined neurocognitive outcomes of an innovative teaching approach in undergraduate anatomical education, focusing on executive functions with emphasis on cognitive flexibility. Reinforced representational modelling was implemented to assess its potential to support learning processes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A quasi-experimental study involved first-year anatomy students from two universities (n = 116). Each institution delivered a single 30-hour program with different teaching methods: conventional lectures using 3D atlases and standard drawing tasks (control group) versus reinforced representational modelling (experimental group), taught by its regular instructor and aligned with its syllabus. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes were assessed using psychometric instruments: the Webexec scale for perceived executive difficulties and the Cognitive Flexibility Scale for cognitive flexibility. Statistical analyses included independent-samples t-tests, repeated-measures factorial ANCOVAs (time × treatment), and effect size estimations (Cohen’s d, partial η²).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Perceived executive difficulties showed a strong time effect across both groups (F(1) = 20.28, p &lt; 0.001, η²p = 0.176), increasing over the course, whereas no treatment effect appeared after controlling for baseline differences. Cognitive flexibility was higher in the experimental group at post-test (p = 0.044, Cohen’s d = 0.36), although this advantage diminished once covariates were controlled.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Reinforced representational modelling may foster flexible learning strategies in anatomy education. Cognitive flexibility showed some responsiveness to the intervention, while increases in perceived executive difficulties likely reflect the cognitive demands of early anatomy learning. Although effects were modest and partly influenced by covariates and baseline differences, findings suggest that executive functioning remains a key neurocognitive determinant in anatomical learning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 152783"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991632","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}