Dissection tables once used almost exclusively by schools of medicine are giving GCC students access to high-technology resources for understanding complex systems within the body.   

A 3D anatomy visualization system, the Anatomage table is used for anatomy and physiology education.  The first table was installed at GCC two years ago and a second table was recently added at the College. 

The capabilities of the tables were on display April 6 during GCC’s Open House, where Leonardo Kurachi-Ube, M.D., a professor in biology, showed potential students an image of a hip fracture and explained exactly what the image revealed.  The tables can examine humans and animals. Besides Anatomy and Physiology, the tables are used by instructors in BIO 105.  Images of frogs and earthworms also can be explored, and the technology can be used for practical exams.  Images are also available showing details of what scientists might see when looking through a microscope.

Kurachi-Ube noted that the table offers a history of the person the students are viewing.  He explained how instructors use the table to enhance learning.  The large table operates like a computer, where users can visualize anatomy exactly as they would see it on a cadaver.  Anatomy is capable of being dissected in 3D, allowing students to see and explore, developing a more thorough understanding of what they are learning by being able to lift muscle or bone, for example, to see layers within the body.  

Math/Science Department Chair Robert E. Tremblay, professor of physics, said that the tables are used in all anatomy and physiology classes as a supplement, not in place of, actual dissection.  The tables allow students to be exposed to different anatomical variations and pathological variations. 

Kurachi-Ube noted that GCC is fortunate to have the kind of technology to experience a deep understanding of topics presented in the classroom by seeing real clinical images.  According to Kurachi-Ube, GCC is the only community college in the state where students can enroll in cadaver classes, BIO 213 and 217, which take place at Yale University.