Use of cadaveric dissection for the exploration of anatomical and pathological structures as the primary learning tool in an undergraduate gross anatomy course: student perspectives

At Westminster College, an undergraduate gross anatomy dissection was performed as part of a human gross anatomy program, with the objective of exploring anatomical and pathological structures in the cadaver. The course of dissection followed the 13th edition of Grant's Dissector and was completed by five undergraduates. The order of dissection led to ever‐evolving hypotheses as to indicated pathologies, as students worked through the scientific method in their dissections. As the dissection proceeded abnormalities were noted. These included, an intramuscular cyst found within the deltoid (length = 4.5 cm, width = 1.5cm), left ventricular wall hypertrophy (1.8 cm), surgical evidence of a shortened colon (by 47cm), and renal abnormalities. As each anatomical variation was dissected, students formed hypotheses and integrated observations from individual systems into an overall evaluation of indicated pathologies. Preliminary observations led to the likelihood of a long‐standing renal infection which may have materialized into xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Students documented their experiences throughout the project.