Authors : S Viveka, M J Sudha
DOI : 10.18231/j.jeths.2020.015
Volume : 7
Issue : 2
Year : 2020
Page No : 58-65
Background and Objectives: Drawing diagrams is an integral part of learning anatomy. The objective of
the study was to evaluate sequence graphics to impart drawing skills among medical undergraduates. The
other objective of the study was to design and evaluate an objective method of assessment of clinically
relevant moderately complex gross anatomy diagrams.
Methodology: In an experimental study, participated by 92 students, were asked to draw coronal section
of male pelvis (moderately complex diagram) projected on the board. The same diagram was redone
with PowerPoint in such a way that each component appears sequentially on command from the teacher,
technique called sequence graphics. Sequence labelling followed appearance of each component. The
perineal membrane was the key component. Prostate gland (with urethra), deep transverse perineal muscle
(with bulbourethral glands) and Colle’s fascia were accessory components. Both diagrams were analyzed
for the centeredness, appropriate color usage, bilateral symmetry, and representation of key and accessory
components and labelling. Deviation of three accessory components of student images of more than one
grid was considered as grossly disproportional diagram.
Results: Sequence graphics image scores were significantly more than the scores from projected image
tracing (6.04+2.03 vs. 4.72+2.18). The improvement was particularly in terms of symmetry, representation
of key and accessory components, labelling and use of appropriate colors.
Conclusions: Sequence graphics resulted in drawings with predefined components with labelling. Defining
key component and accessory components for moderately difficult diagrams shall result in objective
evaluation. Sequence graphics principles aids better drawing skills.
Keywords: Artistic anatomy, Medical illustrations, Drawings, Sectional anatomy, Graphics.