Cadaveric Prosections Prepared by Qualified Instructional Staff Were More Efficient and Effective Teaching Modalities for Veterinary Gross Anatomy than In-Class Dissections by Students.

This article evaluates the effectiveness of instructor-prepared cadaveric prosections as an alternative to traditional student-led cadaveric dissections for teaching veterinary gross anatomy. In a study involving first-year veterinary students, those assigned to study prosected cadavers spent significantly less class time yet performed equally well or better on practical exams and knowledge retention quizzes compared to students performing their own dissections. Student surveys revealed that prosections were perceived as more efficient and clearer, fostering greater confidence, while dissections were valued for engagement despite causing apprehension and requiring more instructor assistance. The findings suggest that prosection is a time-efficient, effective teaching modality that can reduce costs and cadaver use without compromising learning outcomes in veterinary anatomy education.