The 2 courses focused on were the Heidelberg Curriculum (HeiCuMed) of gross anatomy and another radiologic anatomy (RA) seminar. The HeiCuMed course is a more conventional anatomy course while the RA seminar used radiologic imaging such as CT scans and X-rays to teach gross anatomy. There were 3 specific cohorts of students that were evaluated quantitatively through a multiple choice anatomy examination. One group had access to CT workstations, the Table, and extra training in the RA seminar (CT + seminar group). Another group had additional training in the RA seminar course while the last group was only in the conventional anatomy course.

Overall, the CT + seminar group achieved both higher and statistically significant scores compared to the conventional anatomy and RA seminar group of students. This cohort increased scores by 19.3% and 27.3% respectively when compared to those without CT scan training in the seminar and conventional anatomy course. Significant improvements were also seen when comparing the CT + seminar group to the other two groups with knowledge of the head and neck and extremities. This might be explained by the fact that intra- and extracranial anatomical structures are more complex in structure. Viewing these structures through virtual dissection may have resulted in more complete knowledge retention. Having access to CT cross-sections and virtual dissection tools may have also impacted students’ knowledge of extremities and distal structures in the body.