Acland's Video Atlas of Human Anatomy is a series of anatomy lessons on video presented by Robert D. Acland.[1] Dr. Acland was a professor of surgery in the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. The Atlas was originally released as a series of VHS tapes, published individually between 1995 and 2003.[2] The series was re-released in 2003 on DVD as Acland's DVD Atlas of Human Anatomy.
The series uses unembalmed human specimens to illustrate anatomical structures.[3] Intended for use by medical, dental and medical science students, the video teaching aid uses simple language and high quality images.
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The popular Video Atlas comprises a series of individual videos demonstrating the structure and linkages of parts of the human anatomy, using real human bodies. Previously available as a series of DVDs, it has now been made available online.
Acland's Video Atlas of Human Anatomy contains nearly 330 videos of real human anatomic specimens in their natural colors, including 5 new, groundbreaking videos of the inner ear.
Dr. Robert Acland presents moving structures - muscles, tendons, and joints - making the same movements that they make in life. The videos show complex structures step by step - from bone to surface anatomy - to provide a foundation for understanding anatomical structure and function. The entire series was digitally re-mastered producing clearer, brighter, and more detailed videos than seen in previous versions.
These gross anatomy videos are comprised of 5 volumes, organized by region. Each volume offers in-depth coverage of the bones, joints, muscles, and more. This online resource also offers material to support student and faculty learning and teaching structure identification including self-assessment/Q&A, PDF transcripts of the videos used for handouts, and more.
Volume 1 has three sections: 1) the shoulder, 2) the arm and forearm, and 3) the hand. Each section shows first the bones and the movements they can make, then the joints and the ligaments that limit their movements, and then the muscles and the movements they produce. Once these major structures are understood, the blood vessels and nerves are added to the picture.
The section on the shoulder includes structures that are essential to the upper extremity, but that are often taught as parts of either the trunk or the neck. These include the muscles that move the scapula, the brachial plexus, and the subclavian blood vessels.
Volume 2 has four sections: 1) the hip, 2) the knee, 3) the ankle, and 4) the foot. Each section shows first the bones and the movements they can make, then the joints and the ligaments that limit their movements, and then the muscles and the movements they produce. Once these major structures are understood, the blood vessels and nerves are added to the picture.
Section 1 shows the vertebral column, the paraspinous muscles, and the spinal cord. Section 2 shows the thorax as the structure that contains the heart and lungs, including the dynamic anatomy of respiratory movement. Sections 3 and 4 show the musculoskeletal anatomy of the abdomen and pelvis, as the upper and lower parts of the "container" for the abdominal and pelvic viscera. Sections 2, 3, and 4 also show the major blood vessels and nerves of their respective regions.
Section 1 shows the cervical spine and the musculoskeletal structures that connect the head to the body. Section 2 gives a highly three-dimensional display of the challenging bony anatomy of the skull and facial skeleton. Sections 3, 4, and 5 focus on the major "visceral" parts of the head and neck that are associated with breathing, eating, and speaking.
Section 6 shows the muscles involved in facial movement. Section 7 covers the external features of the brain and its relation to the cranial cavity. Section 8 shows the intracranial and extracranial course of the twelve cranial nerves. Section 9 shows both the intracranial and extracranial arteries and veins, including the venous sinuses. Section 10 shows the structures of the orbital cavity, the eyelids, and the external features of the eye. Section 11 shows the external and middle ear, including the dynamic anatomy of the ear drum and auditory ossicles.
Section 1 includes a highly three-dimensional display of the heart, including internal views of the four chambers of the heart, and action shots of the valves in motion. Section 2 shows the stomach and intestines (with developmental animations explaining the rotation of the midgut), the liver and pancreas, and the kidneys and urinary system. Section 3 shows the internal and external features of the male and female reproductive organs.
The Video Atlas was originally intended to be used by individual medical and dental students. Because of its realism, simple language, and three-dimensional quality, the Video Atlas has become popular with students and teachers in many other fields and also with people not on a professional learning path who are looking for information about human anatomy. Includes captions.
PRIVACY NOTICE: UBC Library makes Acland's Visual Atlas available for you for your convenience. Your use of this resource is voluntary. Please be advised that the personal information you disclose when creating an account is stored on servers located outside of Canada. When you use this resource, no personal information about you is collected by or for UBC. Canadian privacy laws do not apply to personal information you provide when using this resource. Please review Acland's Anatomy Privacy Policy on their website before using this resource if you have any concerns.
The Video Atlas was originally intended to be used by individual medical and dental students. Because of its realism, simple language, and three-dimensional quality, the Video Atlas has become popular with students and teachers in many other fields and also with people not on a professional learning path who are looking for information about human anatomy.
Offers video recordings of human anatomic specimens in their natural colours. The videos show moving structures - muscles, tendons, and joints - making the same movements that they make in life. The clips build complex structures step-by-step to provide a foundation for clear understanding of anatomical structure and function.
The atlas emphasizes hands-on learning; the videos showcase cadaver dissections performed by Dr. Acland himself, providing a unique opportunity to explore the human body in a way that closely simulates a real-life dissection experience. The use of either unembalmed or only mildly preserved cadavers adds authenticity, while the 3-D capture techniques allow viewers to gain a better understanding of the spatial relationships and structures of the human body.
Organized into several sections, the videos focus on specific regions of the body, such as the head and neck, upper extremities, and lower extremities. Viewers are guided through a systematic exploration of anatomical structures, including muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs. Each video is accompanied by narration (along with full-text transcript) that explains the anatomical features being observed, making it a great resource for self-study, classroom instruction, or as a supplement to traditional textbooks.
Acland's Video Atlas of Human Anatomy contains over 300 anatomy lessons on video using real, dissected human specimens. The specimens have not been embalmed and therefore retain the colour, texture and mobility of the living body.