Spine-tingling 3D prints: bringing spinal tracts to life!

The concept of “neurophobia” has been a known global issue in the attitudes of medical trainees. Accordingly, studies have suggested that medical students considered neurology the most challenging specialty and one in which they had the least knowledge and confidence. Studies noted that the primary culprit was the comparatively increased complexity of neuroanatomy and insufficient teaching. Herein, we propose a novel way of teaching a common neuroanatomy and neuropathology concept - the spinal tracts. We have designed and built a 3D-printed model of the spinal cord and brain stem cross sections and brain coronal sections to enhance the learning and visualization of the spinal ascending and descending tracts. Transparent tubing and LED lighting strips clearly outline each pathway's starting point, decussation location, and final destination. This project provides students and medical trainees an alternative to the common 2D form of textbook learning through a tangible and visual model to improve comprehension of neuroanatomical concepts.