From the dissection hall to the digital frontier: A comprehensive review of innovations in anatomical pedagogy and their impact on health literacy and promotion

Anatomical education, a foundational pillar of medical and health sciences, has experienced a remarkable evolution over the past three decades. Traditionally anchored in cadaveric dissection, the historical gold standard for experiential learning anatomy teaching has progressively embraced digital innovations, including virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and virtual dissection tables. This review systematically examines the pedagogical effectiveness, cognitive benefits, and limitations of these modalities, synthesizing evidence from over 100 empirical studies. We highlight how immersive and interactive technologies improve spatial reasoning, structural mastery, and long-term retention while addressing constraints of resource availability, ethical considerations, and scalability inherent in traditional dissection-based education. Moreover, the review emphasizes the intersection between anatomical pedagogy and health literacy. Enhanced anatomical understanding among medical trainees and allied health professionals translates to improved patient communication, comprehension of medical conditions, and informed health decision-making. Digital tools also offer opportunities for broader public engagement, enabling community education and promoting preventive health behaviors. Our synthesis indicates that a blended, multimodal approach integrating classical cadaveric methods with extended reality technologies, 3D printing, and interactive simulations optimizes learning outcomes and fosters practical clinical application. Moving forward, research must prioritize longitudinal validation of educational impact, equitable access to advanced learning technologies, and intentional design strategies that link anatomical education directly to population-level health literacy and promotion. By bridging the gap between anatomical knowledge and health empowerment, contemporary pedagogical innovations hold transformative potential for both professional education and public health.