The Anterior Abdominal Wall: A Self-Study Paper Model

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The interior abdominal wall has numerous layers that are often confusing to beginning anatomy students. Educators have noted that students learn in different ways, including kinesthetically. Assembling this simple model of a complex anatomical structure is a fun and interactive way to encourage students to transform kinesthetic experience into useful learning. Methods Detailed templates and instructions for constructing a simple model of the anterior abdominal wall from colored paper and strings are provided to teach the layered anatomy of structures such as the anterior and posterior laminae of the rectus sheath and the arcuate line. Other features represented on the model include skin and tela subcutanea, multilayered anatomy of the musculature and aponeuroses, the inguinal ligament, and passage of structures through the deep and superficial inguinal rings. A list of features and associated teaching points are also provided, as well as examples of common clinical pathology. Students learn from assembling the model as well as from its three-dimensional nature and various colors representing different layers. Self-assessment questions are included too. All or some of the questions can be used to prepare class or self-study exercises that utilize the paper model. Suggestions are given for using the model during lectures, anatomical dissection of the anterior abdominal wall, and self-study away from the anatomy lab. Results The model was used as a learning tool in a physician assistant gross anatomy class. Twenty-seven out of 40 students volunteered to assess the model's utility as a learning tool. These students took a brief four-question assessment before using the model and the same assessment after using it. All students except one improved on the postassessment, and none did worse. All said that the model was useful. Discussion The model is a portable, simple, and inexpensive tool that can be used in the classroom, in the anatomy lab, or as self-study. It is not a replacement for other print or electronic study tools available to learn the anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall. It supplements, but does not replace, the study of living anatomy, prosected material, or anatomical dissection.

Keywords

• Anatomical Model
• Anatomic Models
• Anterior Abdominal Wall
• Rectus Sheath
• Arcuate Line
• Inguinal Canal