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Assessment of Commonly Encountered Difficulties During Gross Anatomy Practical Sessions

Abstract

The study examines the commonly encountered difficulties during gross anatomy practical sessions among undergraduate students, with emphasis on the challenges experienced during the identification, dissection, observation, and interpretation of anatomical structures. Gross anatomy practical sessions provide opportunities for students to develop hands-on understanding of the human body and to relate theoretical knowledge to actual anatomical structures. Identifying common difficulties experienced during these sessions may provide useful information for improving students’ learning experiences and practical anatomical competence. The study will assess the difficulties commonly encountered by undergraduate students during gross anatomy practical sessions and identify the factors associated with these challenges. The specific objectives will include determining the common difficulties experienced during specimen identification and dissection, assessing challenges associated with distinguishing anatomically similar structures, evaluating difficulties in understanding three-dimensional anatomical relationships, and identifying challenges related to the use of anatomical specimens, models, atlases, and other practical learning resources. A cross-sectional descriptive research design will be adopted for the study. An appropriate sample of undergraduate students who have participated in gross anatomy practical sessions will be selected using a suitable sampling technique. Data will be collected using a structured and validated questionnaire designed to assess students’ experiences and commonly encountered difficulties during practical anatomy sessions. The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate inferential tests will be applied where necessary to examine relevant associations between selected student or learning characteristics and reported difficulties. The study is expected to reveal several difficulties encountered during gross anatomy practical sessions, including challenges in identifying anatomical structures, distinguishing closely related structures, understanding spatial relationships, handling specimens, following dissection procedures, and relating practical observations to theoretical knowledge. Variations may also be observed in the difficulties reported by students according to their level of study, previous practical experience, and access to learning resources. The findings will be useful to anatomists, anatomy educators, laboratory instructors, curriculum developers, and other professionals involved in undergraduate anatomy education. The findings may provide useful information for identifying areas of practical anatomy teaching that require improvement and may support the development of clearer demonstrations, improved specimen handling procedures, enhanced practical guides, three-dimensional learning resources, and other supportive strategies for anatomy practical sessions. The study will conclude by identifying the commonly encountered difficulties during gross anatomy practical sessions and highlighting areas requiring further educational attention. It is recommended that anatomy departments should regularly assess students’ practical learning experiences and strengthen practical instruction through adequate supervision, appropriate anatomical resources, structured demonstrations, and opportunities for repeated hands-on learning to improve students’ confidence and competence during gross anatomy practical sessions.

Keywords: Gross anatomy, practical anatomy, anatomy practical sessions, undergraduate students, anatomical dissection, anatomical identification, anatomy learning, practical difficulties, anatomical specimens, dissection skills, anatomical relationships, anatomy education, practical learning, anatomical structures, anatomy assessment.