Number
503
Name
Developing a Protocol to Create Epoxy-Embedded Gross Anatomy Teaching Specimens
Date & Time
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Gail Elliott, PhD, AFHEA, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Office of Education, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Grace Pinhal-Enfield, PhD, ACUE, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Office of Education, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Diandra Dwyer, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Evan Gibbs, MS, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Geoffrey McAuliffe, PhD, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Office of Education, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Presentation Topic(s)
Other
Description
PURPOSE
Access to human donors is often restricted to anatomy laboratories,
limiting student opportunities to see complex structures, particularly during
active learning sessions (e.g., team-based learning and flipped-classroom
activities). Commercially plastinated models can support learning outside the
lab but are costly and require specialized facilities. To increase
flexibility and improve learning across instructional settings, this project
aimed to develop an affordable, reproducible protocol for generating durable
epoxy-embedded human brachial plexus specimens that can be safely transported
and used beyond the dissection laboratory.
METHODS
Three sequential trials were performed using previously dissected donor
brachial plexus tissue. Trials evaluated epoxy type, mold design, suspension
techniques, incremental pouring, labeling, and strategies to minimize
exothermic damage and bubble formation. Trial One used CraftSmart™ epoxy;
Trials Two and Three used Fiberglass Coatings™ (FGCI) Superclear Table Top
Epoxy. Refinements included small-volume pours, pre-coating tissue to
stabilize structures, monofilament suspension to preserve three-dimensional
orientation, and addition of waterproof labels. Specimens were assessed for
clarity, anatomical fidelity, durability, and portability for use outside the
laboratory.
RESULTS
Trial One produced limited clarity and visible distortion. Trial Two
improved optical qualities but showed localized thermal effects. Trial Three,
using refined pouring and pre-coating, produced the greatest clarity with
minimal tissue change. Final models preserved three-dimensional nerve
orientation, incorporated durable labels, and remained suitable for repeated
handling in non-laboratory settings, including TBL classrooms.
CONCLUSION
This project presents a practical protocol for creating portable
epoxy-embedded neuroanatomy models with high structural fidelity. These
low-cost, in-house specimens increase access to authentic anatomy outside
formal labs, supporting active learning modalities such as TBL, problem-based
learning, and outreach events. This approach democratizes specimen-based
learning and offers an adaptable alternative for programs without plastination
infrastructure. Future work should assess student perceptions, long-term
durability, and application to additional anatomical regions.
Access to human donors is often restricted to anatomy laboratories,
limiting student opportunities to see complex structures, particularly during
active learning sessions (e.g., team-based learning and flipped-classroom
activities). Commercially plastinated models can support learning outside the
lab but are costly and require specialized facilities. To increase
flexibility and improve learning across instructional settings, this project
aimed to develop an affordable, reproducible protocol for generating durable
epoxy-embedded human brachial plexus specimens that can be safely transported
and used beyond the dissection laboratory.
METHODS
Three sequential trials were performed using previously dissected donor
brachial plexus tissue. Trials evaluated epoxy type, mold design, suspension
techniques, incremental pouring, labeling, and strategies to minimize
exothermic damage and bubble formation. Trial One used CraftSmart™ epoxy;
Trials Two and Three used Fiberglass Coatings™ (FGCI) Superclear Table Top
Epoxy. Refinements included small-volume pours, pre-coating tissue to
stabilize structures, monofilament suspension to preserve three-dimensional
orientation, and addition of waterproof labels. Specimens were assessed for
clarity, anatomical fidelity, durability, and portability for use outside the
laboratory.
RESULTS
Trial One produced limited clarity and visible distortion. Trial Two
improved optical qualities but showed localized thermal effects. Trial Three,
using refined pouring and pre-coating, produced the greatest clarity with
minimal tissue change. Final models preserved three-dimensional nerve
orientation, incorporated durable labels, and remained suitable for repeated
handling in non-laboratory settings, including TBL classrooms.
CONCLUSION
This project presents a practical protocol for creating portable
epoxy-embedded neuroanatomy models with high structural fidelity. These
low-cost, in-house specimens increase access to authentic anatomy outside
formal labs, supporting active learning modalities such as TBL, problem-based
learning, and outreach events. This approach democratizes specimen-based
learning and offers an adaptable alternative for programs without plastination
infrastructure. Future work should assess student perceptions, long-term
durability, and application to additional anatomical regions.