Armstrong State University recently became the first school in the state of Georgia to purchase Anatomage, an interactive virtual anatomy dissection table. To date, the Anatomage Table is the most technologically advanced anatomy visualization system for anatomy education and is being adopted by many of the world’s leading medical schools and institutions.

“It’s going to allow us to teach everything below the skin in new and creative ways,” says Armstrong’s Interim Dean of the College of Health Professions Dr. Anne Thompson.

The $80,000 table, financed through Armstrong’s end-of-year funding, features a visualization screen that spans 81 inches long and 22 inches wide, and has been featured in the TEDTalks Conference, PBS, Fuji TV, and numerous other journals for its innovative approach to anatomy presentation.

Developed at Stanford University, the Anatomage Table has an interactive display system that uses an infrared touch center that shoots light rays that sense where the user is touching. The table simulates an operation table as it allows for full body, three-dimensional renderings and is the only system that can display true human gross anatomy in real life size.

This interactive display system strengthens a collaborative learning experience as several students may gather around the table to view it, or the table may be connected to a projector for a greater depth of view. Armstrong’s Information Technology Services department completed the installation to make the virtual anatomy dissection table operational for the Fall 2014 semester.

Users interact with the displays by flipping them, rotating them, using a “scalpel tool” to dissect and reveal certain areas of the body, removing layers such as skin to reveal bone and organ renderings, and more. The table even allows for users to load their own images such as CT scans and radiographs.

The data used to create the models during use are from real patient scans or cadavers, which makes the simulations highly accurate. Furthermore, Armstrong’s integration of such a highly advanced piece of technology has created a more accessible learning environment as the table eliminates challenges faced when working with real life cadavers which can require special facility requirements, permits and recurring costs.

“Students will now be able to visualize what is going on under the skin as opposed to just reading it in their textbooks,” explains Thompson. “It will really help cement what they are learning about in the classroom and improve their abilities to perform in real life situations outside of the classroom.”