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Selecting Human Anatomy Charts and
Models
Don't know what to look for when
shopping for an anatomy chart or anatomical model? This quick overview
on the various types of anatomical charts and anatomy models should make your
decision easier! With so many types of human anatomy charts and models
(examples online of human
anatomy charts and models) available to students, teachers, and
healthcare professionals, selecting the right human anatomy model or chart
for educational purposes can be challenging.
The
purpose of this review, called "The Anatomy Guide", is to help you
identify what to look for when selecting the anatomical educational products,
and how to use a simple checklist to ensure you make the best decision
possible. Our business is focused on supplying these educational
products, and we felt it was important to present a general "Question
& Answer" guide that might help students, educators, and healthcare
professionals who might not be familiar with the differences, various options
and types of anatomy charts and models.
Additionally,
this review will provide some Top Ten Lists of anatomical products that are
designed to help show you how to make your purchasing decision more quickly
and confidently. We hope you find our guide useful. Please let us
know how we can improve it!
The Anatomical Guide: Index
1.
Anatomy Models
2. Top 10 Anatomy Models for Educators & Healthcare Professionals
3. Anatomy Charts
4. Top Ten Anatomy Charts for Educators & Healthcare Professionals
5. Top Ten Specific and Unique Anatomical Charts
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Purchasing Anatomical Models and Medical Charts on the Internet
8. Purchasing Anatomical Models and Medical Charts on eBay
9. Disclaimer
If you have been around different types of anatomical models, whether in the
classroom or on the job, youve probably noticed the varying degrees of
quality when comparing models. The same applies to medical or
educational human anatomy charts. The details, the descriptions, the
coloring, the scale all seem to be unique from one anatomy representation
to the next. This is because of the mold, materials, assembly, and of
course, the medical artist who brought the anatomical model or medical
illustration to life.
The
majority of anatomy charts and models have been certified by a medical
professional for accuracy (unless otherwise noted, or obvious - like a human
skull attached to six femurs to make a unique Halloween prop!), so most often
the style of chart or model will come down to personal preference.
Anatomy Models
Anatomical
models are a great way to bring anatomy to life and turn flat images and
medical textbooks into three-dimensional educational materials. Human anatomy
models (and veterinary anatomy models) serve as a great compliment to both
anatomical charts and physiology books which can be more descriptive and
serve demonstrative purposes as well (for example, using a heart model in the
courtroom to explain a medical condition).
Examples
range from a dentist using a mouth or jaw model to demonstrate the correct
method of brushing your teeth and gums; a highly detailed ocular or eye model
to satisfy beginning students; a life-size lumbar vertebrae model used by
chiropractors to demonstrate what a herniated disc looks like in relation to the
vertebrae and spinal cord; to an ear model used by physicians to show major
structures related to hearing and balance.
Anatomical models also come in a variety of types such as Magnified,
Expansion Section, Simulation, Transparent, Section, Enlarged, Dissectible.
Top Ten Anatomical Models for
Educators and Healthcare Professionals
The following anatomy models are
ideal for demonstrating general physiology concepts to students as a
classroom exhibit, and also to patients as a patient education tool. A
variety of these models can be purchased online - see the anatomy charts and models store
AnatomyWarehouse.com for a preview of various anatomy
models.
1. Human Skull Model cranium, skull, brain
2. Human Skeleton Model skeletons, muscles
3. Human Torso Model thoracic systems
4. Human Hand Model digital, wrist
5. Human Foot Model ankle, foot
6. Human Heart model vascular, cardio
7. Human Eye Model eyeball, muscles
8. Dental Model teeth, gums, jaw
9. Human Ear Model outer ear, inner ear
10. Veterinary Anatomy Model canine, feline, bovine
Anatomy Charts
Anatomical charts are a useful
educational resource whether you are a doctor using them as medical reference
materials or a science teacher decorating your classroom. Anatomical
system charts, such as a muscular system chart or skeletal system chart, are
ideal for repetitive visualization and easy reference of these complex
systems.
The
majority of human anatomy charts are completely labeled and feature multiple
related diagrams and descriptions. With poster size anatomy charts (and
often very large anatomical charts) specific areas of the anatomy become much
easier to visualize due the incredible level of accuracy, detail, lifelike
colors, and the availability of large format anatomy charts.
The most commonly seen anatomy charts, often seen in medical books and
physiology education books, are reprints or updated versions of hand drawn
medical charts created by medical illustrators. Until recently, these
charts were all hand drawn and painted. With todays graphic design
software, medical illustrators are creating even more elaborate and detailed
visual representations of the human anatomy, with limitless perspective,
illumination, and magnification variations.
Anatomical charts also come in a variety of types. In addition to the
method an anatomy chart or medical illustration communicates a medical
concept such as magnification, series or timeline, diagram, anatomy
sections and enlargements anatomy charts also come in a variety of types:
Laminated Anatomy Charts - are a common type in addition to standard
paper stock charts. 1.5mil is the most common laminate thickness, which
is terrific for wall hanging and prevents creases from occurring on the
paper.
Anatomical Chart Series a series of individual, covers the entire
anatomy of the human body. They are printed in full color on heavy paper.
Notebook-size Anatomy Charts smaller versions of anatomy charts are
ideal for students and medical professionals who travel often. Their
portability and easy reference make these anatomical charts very popular.
Transparency or Overlay Anatomical Charts This type of anatomy chart
is also printed in full color on heavy paper, and additionally has an
accompanying translucent overlay with various additional illustrations such
as disease states (for easy comparison) or a nomenclature legend (which works
very well as a study guide).
Lenticular Anatomy Charts lenticular charts are very unique by
applying a transparent lens to sections of the anatomy chart illustration,
when looking at the image through the lens and moving to the left or right,
the image changes to help describe two or three variations of the
illustration. Lenticular anatomy charts are ideal for showing the
progression of disease or medical condition.
Raised-Relief Anatomical Charts raised relief anatomy charts take
advantage of a plastic forming technology which creates elevation changes on
the surface of the anatomy chart. This gives the anatomical chart a
three-dimensional appearance.
Top Ten Anatomical Charts for
Educators and Healthcare Professionals
The following anatomy charts are
ideal for demonstrating general physiology concepts to students as a
classroom exhibit, and also to patients as a patient education tool. A
variety of these charts can be purchased online - see the anatomy charts and models store
AnatomyWarehouse.com for a preview of various anatomy
charts.
1. Skeletal Chart skeletal system
2. Muscular Chart muscular system
3. Digestive System Chart digestive system
4. Human Ear Chart outer ear, inner ear
5. Cardiovascular Chart ankle, foot
6. Human Heart Chart vascular, cardio
7. Human Eye Chart eyeball, muscles
8. Dental Chart teeth, gums, jaw
9. Fitness Chart exercise, range of motion
10. Veterinary Anatomy Chart canine, feline, bovine
Top Ten Specific and Unique
Anatomical Charts
1. Smoking Cessation Chart
implications of smoking
2. Sexually Transmitted Disease STD Chart various STDs
3. Pregnancy Chart child birth
4. Diabetes Chart diabetic implications
5. Acupressure Chart and Acupuncture Chart description of Leukemia
6. Prostate Cancer Chart implications of prostate cancer
7. Viral Infections Chart various viral infections
8. Understanding Cholesterol eating, diet and cholesterol
9. Training Heart Rate Target Chart for heart rate monitor training
10. CPR Chart the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are anatomical models
and anatomy charts?
Anatomical charts are created by Certified Medical Illustrators or
CMIs. Becoming a CMI is an extensive process which typically requires
advanced degrees in physiology and medical illustration. In addition to
the relatively limited number of professionals in this competitive
profession, medical illustrators are also regarded as high-level artists and
the more well-known medical illustrators have their work on display in art
museums and international science exhibitions.
Are anatomy charts used in medical books the same?
Several anatomy illustrations seen in medical
books originated from anatomical charts. However, not all anatomical
charts find their way into medical publications. Several anatomy charts
are so detailed and cover such a broad area of physiology that the
illustration requires as much print space as possible, and shrinking the
illustration to an 8.5x11 size would make the image virtually
unreadable. The great advantage to anatomy charts over similar
illustrations in medical books is their comparative size and ability to
communicate broad concepts in great detail with relative ease.
How expensive are anatomical charts? Anatomy Models?
Anatomy Charts range from $9.00 to well over $30.00 depending on the size,
quality, level of detail, and optional chart enhancements such as lamination
of the paper, or the use of paper alternatives such as
polystyrene. Be weary of charts costing less than $9.00 in any format
(unless there is an unique overrun that is being sold, or a discontinued
chart is being offered - both are rare occasions since anatomy charts are
somewhat timeless).
While
there are exceptions, anatomy charts selling for less than $9.00 are often
damaged or lack acceptable coloration and have been discarded by the
printer... only to be recovered by a seller looking to take advantage of
those unfamiliar with what to look for in a quality chart. Plan on a
quality anatomy chart beginning around $10.00 and be ready to pay over $20.00
if it is laminated or printed on plastic such as polystyrene.
Anatomy Models have a much broader price range. For instance, a human
skull model can range from $20.00 to well over $500.00 depending on the
materials used, level of detail (color, texture, fissure depth, weight,
etc.), and intended purpose (a Halloween skull obviously won't require the
same level of detail as a classroom demostration model for a cranial surgery course
at a medical university). As noted in the following section about
purchasing anatomy models on eBay, many companies sell 1st and 4th quality
models which vary in quality based manufacturing and shipping specifications.
If you
are just searching for a human skeleton model or plastic skull to serve as
Halloween decorations, then 4th quality anatomy models should meet your
needs. However, if you are looking for a professional anatomical model for
work or education purposes, make sure that you are buying a 1st quality
anatomy model. Typically, manufacturers will list an item as 4th quality if
it has been damaged in shipping and cannot be sold as new condition, so make
sure you are aware of what the level of quality is for the anatomy model you
are ordering.
Can anatomy charts and anatomical models be used for legal purposes?
Like thousands of attorneys worldwide, you can use our anatomical charts and
anatomy models for research, demand letters, depositions, arbitrations,
mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury trials and trial. Clients use
medical illustrations during all stages of their cases from research to
pre-trial to the courtroom. You may have seen various types of human
anatomy models and anatomical charts on TV shows and in movies as well!
Can anatomical models be used for Halloween?
Anatomical models make excellent Halloween
decorations! Thanks to advances in manufacturing process,
inexpensive materials, and production overruns, anatomy models such as
skeletons, skulls, and bones make excellent Halloween decorations. A
life-like skull can be purchased for less than $20, and entire skeleton
models can be purchased for less than $100.
Purchasing Anatomical Models and
Medical Charts on the Internet
The best selections of anatomical
charts and anatomy models can be found online. There are several online
catalogs that specialize in providing a complete selection of anatomy related
educational products such as anatomywarehouse.com which also promotes their
anatomy charts and anatomical models in their eBay store.
Online
catalogs like www.anatomywarehouse.com
are ideal since they gather together a broad selection from numerous
suppliers so customers can save time shopping around, and saves the buyer
money since they buy in volume and pass the savings along to the buyer.
Purchasing Anatomical Models and
Medical Charts on eBay
When you find an anatomical
chart or anatomy
model you like from a seller on eBay, read the item description carefully
to learn as much information about the condition and quality, especially when
ordering anatomy models. Many companies sell 1st and 4th quality models which
vary in quality based manufacturing and shipping specifications. If you are
just searching for a human skeleton model or plastic skull to serve as
Halloween decorations, then 4th quality anatomy models should meet your
needs.
If you
are looking for a professional anatomical model for work or education
purposes, make sure that you are buying a 1st quality anatomy model.
Typically, manufacturers will list an item as 4th quality if it has been
damaged in shipping and cannot be sold as new condition, so make sure you are
aware of what the level of quality is for the anatomy model you are ordering.
Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying,
research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.
Know your purchase - carefully read the details in item listings.
Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money,
make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.
If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a
question" link under the seller's profile.
Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It
Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered
by eBay protection programs.
Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services
through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when
paying someone you do not know.
Know your seller - Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about
every transaction.
What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they
completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?
What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?
Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do
they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?
Buyer protection - In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your
transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.
Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever
seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects
buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with
PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.
eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution
Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and
efficient resolution tools.
Disclaimer
Always consult with your physician
before using any of the products or services discussed in this article,
titled The Anatomical Guide. The authors of this article and www.AnatomyWarehouse.com or its
affiliates do not make any diagnosis or give medical recommendations.
This article is also published online at www.theanatomyguide.com. These
products are not intended to cure, heal, or prevent diseases.
Consulting with a Doctor is always recommended. The medical evaluation by a
physician is advised at all times. Any self-help application is the
responsibility of the user. The authors of this article and www.AnatomyWarehouse.com do not
make or imply any medical claims on products described in this article.
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