A review of the importance of research in Anatomy, an evidence-based science

Abstract

Considered an absolute unchanging truth, and not research-led, human anatomy has been subject to a steady decline in course hours and funding. However, this is a misconstruction, as anatomy plays an important role in the clinical and surgical field, with the need of evidencebased data, more so now than ever. Research in anatomy not only establishes an evolutionary and functional database with variability between populations, sex, and age, but develops the tools needed for patient safety, development of prostheses, technology and surgical materials, improves interpretation of imaging studies, and provides evidence of clinical and anatomical implications. Evidence-based education is an exponentially growing field in anatomical sciences, providing the best evidence for technological and pedagogical strategies integrated in the classroom and laboratory. The gold-standard cadaveric dissections are currently only one of the wide range of educational resources available, with imaging studies and clinical scenarios playing an important role. Anatomy research needs to be continued, evolving with the generations the availability of new resources and the demands of the field. This review breaks down the available data, recommendations, and guidelines, as well as the importance behind the continuing research in anatomical sciences.