Plastinated human body sections, from Carolina Biological Supply Co., were photographed.
Four photographs of each section were printed and one of four anatomical systems (units) [musculo-squeletal, neurovascular,
visceral, and enclosing] was labeled on each photograph. These labeled photographs were the primary teaching aid in the
sectional anatomy course. On selected transverse (axial) sections, organ location was located (in mm) with regard to the
junction of median and midaxillary lines. In addition, many organs were located using the clock face analogy. ie. On a cross
section of the thorax, the sternum was assigned the 12:00 o'clock position and the vertebral body the 6:00 o'clock position.
Undergraduate students, with career goals in radiolographic technology (MRI, CT and Ultrasound) have been the primary target
groups for this course. With rapid expansion of these technologies, which display the body in clinical sectional images,
sectional anatomy is the main support course for the computerized body scanning systems. Course prerequesite is six semester
hours of anatomy and physiology. A regional approach to anatomy, which encourages three-dimensional thought, better prepares
students for sectional anatomy. In sectional anatomy, the body is presented in three views [cross, coronal (frontal), and
sagittal sections]. The study of sectional anatomy enables medical imaging personnel to pin-point structures seen in clinical
sectional images (MRI, CT and Ultrasound).