title: Medical students perception of problem topics in anatomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the existence of perceived problem topics/concepts in anatomy, possible reasons for the problems and also student suggestions for alleviating the problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  An open-ended questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and fifty nine second year medical students.
  
  
  METHODS
  The questionnaire included identification of problem areas, reasons for problems and possible solutions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey revealed a wide range of problem topics, with the majority being experienced in gross anatomy followed by histology and embryology. It was clear that the students experienced difficulties with 3-dimensional conceptualization and the visualisation of structures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A variety of teaching aids may help in addressing this problem and encourage spatially oriented thinking, leading ultimately to an integrated and in-depth understanding of anatomy.
authors.affiliation: School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of the Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Soley
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001296:Audiovisual Aids / Q000592:standards; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards*; D004626:Embryology / Q000193:education; D006653:Histology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009445:Neuroanatomy / Q000193:education; D013019:South Africa; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000592:standards; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards