Can I Print You a Bone?

3D printed anatomy is fast replacing the real thing in medical colleges across the world. The ‘3D Printed Anatomy Series’, developed by experts from Monash University is the first commercially available kit. The has no real human tissue or bone but has all the major parts of the body needed to teach students the anatomical layout of the limbs, chest, abdomen, head and neck.

Professor Paul McMenamin, Director of the University’s Centre for Human Anatomy Education, called it cost effective. He felt that it would dramatically improve trainee doctors’ and other health professionals’ knowledge and could even contribute to the development of new surgical treatments.

It is a great way to overcome the shortage of cadavers that most medical schools face today. The handling and storage of cadavers also have a great number of restrictions and regulations that can be financially prohibitive for smaller institutes. Not to mention the smell which can affect the students adversely. Using this 3D kit which is soon going to be commercially available in the market may be a good solution.

The 3D printed series can be produced quickly and easily, and unlike cadavers they won’t deteriorate. Without the ability to look inside the body and see the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels, it’s incredibly hard for students to understand human anatomy. The manufactirers believe that their version, which looks just like the real thing, will make a huge difference to students of human anatomy.