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@#Introduction: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has led to unavoidable new norms, including increasing demands for online learning. In view of the potential constraints to virtually learn anatomy among medical students, this study was conducted to identify the level of exposure towards online anatomy learning as well as the perceived constraints among medical students in a public university in Malaysia. Methods: A cross sectional study utilizing online survey was conducted during the movement control order (MCO) enforcement in Malaysia between March and October 2020 among all consented medical students at a public university in the Klang Valley area. The data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire which was distributed using Google Form application. Results: A total of 281 medical students consented and completed the online survey, with 94.3% students had low level of exposure towards online anatomy learning. Year of study and accessibility towards computing facilities and internet connection were significantly associated with online anatomy learning, with the non-clinical students are 19.9 (aOR= 19.888, B=2.990, 95%CI: 2.484-159.220) times more likely to have higher exposure towards online anatomy learning respectively. Conclusion: A very high proportion of medical students having low exposure towards online anatomy learning was observed in this study, which was predicted among the clinical students. Strengthening the utilization of online learning should be seriously considered in parallel with the new norms and the many uncertainties with COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure continuity of effective and quality learning.
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@#Introduction: Musical-based education has been linked with improved students’ academic performance and mental wellbeing. This study aimed to evaluate a musical-based anatomy learning module using the combination of music, choreographed movements and 3D anatomy illustrations on muscles of the hand. Methods: A 5-minute duration video on muscles of the hand was developed through series of discussions with expert panels to incorporate the three stated components, emphasizing on the use of catchy music and simple terms to assist memorization skills. A single arm quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted with pre- and post-intervention measurement of knowledge, perception, stress and happy index related to learning anatomy. A total of 157 medical students were recruited and exposed to a total of 20 minutes video duration over three days. The effectiveness of the intervention was investigated using paired t-test and was interpreted based on the pre- and post-measured exposure mean differences. Results: The newly developed musical-based anatomy learning module had effectively improved knowledge and happy index related to learning anatomy, with significant mean differences were observed on the total mean scores for knowledge (MD= 2.707, p< 0.001) and happy index (MD=3.256, p< 0.001), as well as significant reduction of the mean scores for the negative items for perceptions and stress. Conclusion: The improved knowledge and happy index related to learning anatomy reflecting the positive impact of music used in combination choreographed movements and 3D illustrations to strengthen memorizing skills of medical students as well as instilling positive mood.
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@#The modiolus of the face manifests the interesting landmark for facial muscles attachment. The strong connective tissue fibres play an important role in the clinical setting, especially in the aesthetic and dental surgeries. In the fourth week of intrauterine life, the development of the modiolus evolves in accordance with the growth of muscles of facial expression. Microscopically, a white, tendinous structure with the thick irregular collagenous connective tissue of collagen fibres predominance appeared to be the modiolus. Modiolus is morphologically a fibromuscular muscle situated on the lateral border of the mouth. The formation of the nasolabial fold is important and a well-developed modiolus provide a toned face. Several works of literature forementioned the number of facial muscles attached to the modiolus but no definitive similarity are identified. This review summarizes the updated morphological features and applied anatomy of the facial modiolus with its muscle attachment.
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@#Introduction: Measuring students’ perception of anatomy education environment provides important information for quality assurance and improvement in anatomy education. This study evaluated medical students’ perception of anatomy education environment in Universiti Putra Malaysia by using a validated tool, the Anatomy Education Environment Measurement Inventory (AEEMI). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia between August and September 2020. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure balance sampling of two sociodemographic parameters: gender and study phase. The AEEMI was distributed online to 384 consenting students who rate their perceptions on the six factors of AEEMI: anatomy teachers and instructor, importance of anatomy knowledge, intrinsic interest in learning anatomy, anatomy learning resources, students’ effort to learn anatomy and quality of histology learning facilities, using a five-point Likert scale. The average score of each factor was calculated and compared between male and female respondents, and between preclinical and clinical ones, using SPSS version 25. Results: All factors was rated to be positive with scores > 4.00, except for histology practical facilities that was perceived as an area for improvement (score 3 – 4.99). There was no significant difference of the scores between male and female respondents, and between preclinical and clinical ones. The scores were found to be consistent across gender and study phase. Conclusion: Anatomy education environment in UPM are positive and caters for the differences in gender and study phase. Nevertheless, the histology practical facilities may require further attention for improvement.