U of T Physical Therapy: Anatomy Dissection Belongs Here

Dissection of the human body was an incomparable learning experience that allowed me to discover, visualize, and develop a comprehensive understanding of what structures I will be treating throughout my career as a physiotherapist. I am a visual and tactile learner, and the physical process of dissection itself allowed consolidation of the theoretical base we developed during class through diagrams and textbooks. I really appreciated the privilege of seeing and navigating the human body in it’s truest form and not solely learning from coloured diagrams and models. It was one of the reasons the U of T program stood out for me and it would be a shame if future students were not granted the same privilege as I was.

Although I took two different anatomy courses in my undergrad, nothing ever seemed to stick until this year when I was able to actually see the bones and muscles in the human body through dissection. Finally, anatomy was taught in a way I could understand and remember. Now, when learning to use different physiotherapy assessment and intervention skills, I think back to dissection and am able to to recall the location and function of all structures. Dissection is an invaluable experience for physical therapy students, that truly taught me the anatomy knowledge I will need to perform my job effectively. All future PT students should have the same opportunity to learn anatomy through dissection for a truly unparalleled understanding of the human body.

Before coming into the program, like most of us I took anatomy in my undergrad at the University of Windsor. However, my anatomy course consisted of a textbook, powerpoint slides and an online atlas to refer to. I did not have the benefit of human cadaver dissection, not even prosections. As a result, I struggled to fully grasp anatomy to its full potential. After taking anatomy with Anne and having the privilege of dissection, I truly believe it is the only way to fully understand and appreciate the complexity of the human body. In lab and placement, I don't think back to my lecture notes for my knowledge of anatomy, I go back to my memory of dissecting each muscle, artery and nerve. Being able to cut layer by layer and see the intricacy of the system- thats how I understand anatomy and relate it to patients. We are privileged to have access to human cadavers and I truly believe it cannot be replaced with any other way of learning anatomy. Anatomy is such a big part of our profession that I can't imagine human dissection not being included in the curriculum when it has had such an impact on my education.

When I'm trying to clinically reason which structures may be at fault, the first thing I revert to is my memory of dissection lab- not prosections, not 3D models, not textbooks. Dissection makes the structures come alive in my brain. Investigating, layer by layer, tissue by tissue, every nerve, artery, muscle, tendon and organ is in its place- as it was made. Dissection is discovery of the human body, taught by the actual person who wrote some of the most regarded texts on human anatomy. Why would we try to replace this invaluable resource? I am certain dissection has and will continue to be an indispensable piece of knowledge to me.