The Klingler preparation technique and plastination: orienting students to three-dimensional neuroanatomy (721.9)

Due to the complexity of the central nervous system, neuroanatomy is cited as one of the most challenging portions of the anatomical sciences to study by first year medical students, and junior physicians alike. Fiber paths are challenging to visualize to their full extent, and it is difficult for a novice learner to clearly dissect them. Interpretation of a two-dimensional image to a three-dimensional anatomical structure is a daunting task, and creates palpable dread to many students. Since its inception, plastination has served as an adjunct in teaching anatomy. If used properly, plastinated specimens can augment students' understanding of neural architecture. Brains dissected following the preparation method by Klingler can be plastinated and utilized for visualization of fiber paths, and used to accent complex structures. This technique can isolate neuroanatomical structures that students often have trouble visualizing in three dimensions, such as the corpus callosum. This poster will discuss the spe...