Inside AWSOM: The Anatomy Resource Center

One of the most foundational pieces of a medical student’s education is learning the structure and functions of the human body. At Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, students master the complexities of human anatomy in the 3,010-square-foot Anatomy Resource Center (ARC). The ARC houses the School’s collection of plastinated anatomical specimens and serves as a resource for students studying anatomy.

Integrated anatomy labs take place in the ARC, where students work in small groups on clinically-focused, active learning activities. Students primarily learn by engaging with plastinated specimens— generously donated human tissue which has undergone a plastination process — allowing for safe, repeated exploration of real anatomical structures. These specimens are durable and can last for decades. The School has a collection of over 100 plastinated specimens for students to use during labs and independent study.

Virtual reality technology, medical imaging, and 3D printing from the School’s Maker Space are also used as supplemental education tools to provide students with detailed anatomy exploration from every angle.