Abstract
Aim: To determine the applicability of an anatomical model of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, named the ”3D fess slices®”, in teaching anatomy. Methods: This study was conducted during the academic year 2012/2013 and included two groups of students: students of the Clinical Anatomy course of the University of Zürich (N = 94) and students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka (N = 116). The students from Rijeka were in their first (N = 29) and the third year (N = 23) of the School of Dental Medicine, and fifth year of Otorhinolaryngology course of the School of Medicine (N = 64). After studying the anatomical model of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, the students filled out a survey formed by one of the authors (TŠV). Results: All students answered highly positive to the last question of the survey and in that way demonstrated outstanding motivation to learn anatomy using the “3D fess slices®” anatomical models, which facilitated the understanding of certain parts of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Conclusion: The “3D fess slices®” anatomical model proved to be a useful supplement in teaching the anatomy of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Our results demonstrated that including this or similar anatomical models in teaching will contribute to medical education.