Development of an E-Learning Environment for Anatomical Education of Female Pelvic Region

Anatomy of female pelvic area is complex and gives a great challenge to medical students. In this paper, we present an e-learning environment developed for anatomical education of female pelvic region based on Chinese Visible Human (CVH) datasets. A series of cryo-sectional photographs with corresponding CT and MRI slices was used to establish an image database to provide two-dimensional anatomical information of pelvic region. Based on image segmentation and contouring, a three-dimensional virtual pelvic floor with associated organs and structures was reconstructed in JavaScript, HTML, and VRML, which can offer feasibility for network-based on-line manipulation. Additionally, a learning program derived from instructional videos of interactive operations based on Dextrobeam system was developed for students to share the training resources of a virtual reality platform. By designing and implementing such an e-learning environment, the local educational materials and tools can be adapted to meet remote learning objectives as a cost-effective means of facilitating the study of human anatomy and fostering more flexible approaches to improve learning performance.