Abstract
Objectives:
The epitympanum is a challenging area for teachers and learners of its anatomy. Its complex 3-dimensional relations are difficult to appreciate using texts or 2-dimensional diagrams. We developed an interactive 3-dimensional computer-based model of the epitympanum that can be viewed from all angles for teaching and learning.
Methods:
The model was evaluated by 21 fourth-year medical students in 2013. Students were given textbooks, journal articles, and 2-dimensional diagrams of the epitympanum to study, followed by a demonstration of spatial relations using the model in one session. A questionnaire was used to assess the usefulness of the model.
Results:
81% of students found the epitympanic anatomy difficult to understand. 14.3% found the texts easy to understand. 33.3% found the texts easy to understand with 2-dimensional diagrams. More males (50.0%; 6/12) than females (11.1%; 1/9) found it easy with 2-dimensional diagrams (P = 0.07). 100% agreed that the model helps in understanding and remembering the anatomy (38.1% strongly agreed). 100% agreed that the model made understanding spatial relations easier than 2-dimensional diagrams (33.3% strongly agreed). 90.5% agreed that the model helps in understanding the texts (28.6% strongly agreed). 100% agreed that the model is useful to residents/students (38.1% strongly agreed). One hundred percent agreed the model will be useful to teachers and would want this resource available if they were ear, nose, and throat (ENT) residents, with 47.6% and 38.1% strongly agreeing, respectively.
Conclusions:
Our model can be a useful tool in demonstrating epitympanic anatomy. It complements textbooks and 2-dimensional diagrams to facilitate understanding.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.