TY  - JOUR
A1  - ,  
T1  - Plastination in the teaching of Neuroanatomy
JO  - Eur. J. Anat.
SN  - 1136-4890
Y1  - 2006
VL  - 10
SP  - 85
EP  - 89
UR  - http://www.eurjanat.com/web/paper.php?id=06020085
KW  - formaldehyde
KW  - article
KW  - controlled study
KW  - female
KW  - human
KW  - male
KW  - medical society
KW  - medical student
KW  - neuroanatomy
KW  - plastination
KW  - questionnaire
KW  - teaching
N2  - The development of plastination has allowed the introduction of novel tools into Anatomy teaching. The plastinated specimen is dry, odourless, durable and non-toxic. The aim of the present study was to compare the value of plastinated and formalin-preserved specimens in the teaching of Neuroanatomy. A survey was conducted of Neuroanatomy students concerning the use of plastinated and formalin-preserved specimens, investigating which technique preserved better, which allowed longer use of the specimen, and which produced specimens that were more faithful to reality and easier to handle, and also which technique was preferred by the students, establishing the degree of satisfaction obtained with each. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Plastination was considered to preserve specimens better by 88% of the study population, and 99% reported that the plastinated specimens were faithful to reality. They were considered equally realistic by 46%, whereas 37% thought plastinated specimens were more realistic. Plastinated specimens were considered by 99% of the students to offer easier handling by 99% of the students and were preferred to formalin-preserved ones by 92% of the study population, providing a higher degree of satisfaction. Plastination is a highly valuable tool for the teaching of Neuroanatomy.
ER  -