Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Modern Anatomy Education Through Mental Rotation Training and 3D Technological Integration

Abstract Mental rotation is a crucial cognitive skill for understanding spatial relationships and three-dimensional aspects, especially in the study of anatomy. However, students with limited mental rotation abilities often face challenges when translating two-dimensional anatomical depictions into three-dimensional mental models. This article explores the impact of mental rotation skills on anatomy learning and proposes strategies to enhance these skills. It discusses the limitations of traditional and digital resources and introduces the concept of Stereoscopic 3D visualization technology (3DVT) and clay-based modeling (CBM) as effective teaching methods. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of pre-assessing students' visual-spatial abilities and integrating a variety of teaching tools to create a comprehensive and enriched learning environment in anatomy education.