On Tuesday 1 April 2025, Anitomical conducted a second live test with the prototype application for comparative anatomy at the Marine Biology faculty of the University of Plymouth. As during the previous test at the VU in Amsterdam, a dissection class with the squid (Loligo vulgaris) was organised for this. The fifteen participating students were able to use the Anitomical application with a 3D model of the squid as reference material and source of scientific information.
During the dissection class, the students used the standard manual from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for step-by-step dissection of the squid. In addition to their regular sources for background information, they also used the Anitomical application with the 3D model of a squid. The students also had the opportunity to use the comparative anatomy function to compare the squid (Loligo vulgaris) with 3D models of an octopus (Eledone cirrhosa), mussel (Mytilus edulis), pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) and Roman snail (Helix pomatia).
The detailed evaluation that the students completed after the dissection class shows a similar picture as at the VU. The students find our application very useful for, among other things, looking up the location, orientation and three-dimensional shape of the organs and for recognizing the different organ systems. The majority of the students indicated that they would like to use the Anitomical application for preparing for practicals, during practicals, to learn anatomy for an exam, and because they simply find the 3D models beautiful and interesting. The comparative anatomy function is experienced as very positive in order to be able to see the anatomical differences between animals well.
The evaluation also revealed a number of points for improvement to make the application even more user-friendly. Based on the tests at the VU and the University of Plymouth, the Anitomical team is now working on and implementing these points for improvement for the application.
