In Phase I of this study, Anatomix developed an interactive 3-dimensional computer graphic model of embryonic chick development that illustrated the early phases of the developing head-fold, intraembryonic coelom and heart tube fusion. This model, which is the first of its kind to show the temporal aspects of development in 3-dimensions, was tested via presentation to first year medical students. In Phase II of this study, we propose to use the techniques pioneered during Phase I, along with student feedback on the chick embryo models, to develop similar, yet more sophisticated models that show the full range of human cardiac development. Human models will be more directly relevant to medical education and the necessary histological material is available. Increased sophistication will be achieved through (l) the use of high end computer graphic hardware and software (2) use of a professional science writer to develop textual materials and (3) a scientific advisory board including teachers, clinicians and textbook authors. The materials developed in phase II will constitute a core of anatomically and temporally accurate models of embryonic heart development that will be used to produce instructional materials targeted to a wide variety of teaching levels.
The core graphics technology produced by this research will be used to produce 3D embryology references for basic science research, interactive multimedia learning tools for students, and virtual embryos for clinicians to study the pathogenesis of cardiac malformations. The products of this research will he delivered to the educational markets as CD-ROM titles and VHS or DVD video.
