Neuroanatomy: The added value of the Klingler method

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Silva, SM (Author) FMUP; Andrade, JP (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: ANNALS OF ANATOMY-ANATOMISCHER ANZEIGER

Vol. 208

Pages: 187-193

ISSN: 0940-9602

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 30 Citations

Scopus - 30 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-8BY

DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.06.002

Abstract (EN): Undergraduate neuroanatomy students are usually not able to achieve a clear comprehension of the spatial relationships existing between the white matter fiber tracts in spite of numerous neuroanatomy textbooks, atlaes and multimedia tools. The objective of this paper is to show the educational value of the application of the Klingler fiber dissection technique and the use of these dissections in the understanding of the three-dimensional intrinsic anatomy of the brain white matter for medical students. Four formalin-fixed brains were dissected using the Klingler methodology in order to reveal the inner anatomical organization of the brain white matter. The most important fiber systems were dissected and their relationships to the cerebral and cerebellar gray matter structures visualized. These dissections were used as a learning tool in teaching the brain white matter structural and topographical connectivity. The white matter fiber systems were presented to undergraduate medical students during a neuroanatomy course. They observed and manipulated the dissected specimens leading to a thorough understanding of the configuration and location of the white matter fiber tracts, and their relationships to the ventricular system and gray matter structures. Subsequently, students were asked to answer a survey concerning the importance of the utilization of this material in their understanding of the three-dimensional intrinsic anatomy of the brain white matter. The knowledge acquired with this technique, complemented by conventional formalin-fixed sections may improve the neuroanatomical knowledge and future retention of medical students.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7