The Dynamic Human CD-ROM Version 2 is an interactive program which illustrates the complex relationships between anatomical structures and their functions in the human body. This version of the Dynamic Human software builds on the content presented in the first version by expanding on topics such as cell biology, muscular and skeletal anatomy, vision and vision disorders, and clinical imaging. Individual features of the program follow below.

Features

Each module listed in the frame to the left contains 4 standard content divisions. As the user clicks on a body system, these four headings automatically "pop up" as a menu from which the user may choose. Each section also contains several animations and screens which pop up for the user to choose.


The anatomy of each system is reviewed graphically as well as dynamically. Many systems contain a 3-D Viewer (sample screen) which allows the user to rotate the main components of the system to view the anatomy from any angle, as well as visualize placement in the body. This benefits the anatomy student in being able to see anatomical features in three-dimensions rather than as flat art on a textbook page. Major anatomical features of each system are displayed graphically with interactive labels which light up as the user "rolls" the mouse over them. The name of each structure is also pronounced as it is clicked on. This feature allows easy memorization of names and locations of anatomical structures.


Important clinical applications relating to the system under study are presented in this section. It is often useful for students to learn the causes of major diseases as they learn the "normal" state of body systems. Clinical examples and explanations are also quite interesting to those who may be pursuing careers in the allied health or medical fields.


These animations explore some of the basic functions of each body system. These build on students' knowledge of anatomy and demonstrate the relationship between form and function. Students benefit by being able to see complex physiological processes animated and narrated, rather than depicted as a static flow-chart or graph.


The foundation of any organism is its cells and their specific functions. This section shows labeled micrographs of typical cells and tissues found in each body system. Many body functions are best understood with a prior knowledge of what types of cells carry out the function, and how the cells' anatomy is directly related to the functions they perform.

Beyond each body system, the Dynamic Human Version 2 software contains several navigational and pedagogical aids:

Quizzing:
An on-line quiz geared for each body system! Each body system contains a quiz with 20-25 questions relating to the topics covered in that system. Each time a user takes the quiz, the program keeps track of the score. This allows students to identify areas that may need further study before moving on to other systems.

Map:
The map provides a visual overview of the structure of the software, showing the hierarchical arrangement of topics. The user can hyperlink to all topics on the CD from the map. (sample screen)

Index:
The index provides an alphabetical listing of all topics and structures contained on the CD. Individual topics are hyperlinked to their sources to provide easy navigation from the index.

Bookmark:
This feature allows the user to mark any topic and come back to it later, similar to the bookmark option on a web browser. This eliminates searching through the CD to find out where that topic was that you wanted to study in further depth.

Back Button:
The back button operates like it would in a web browser. It will take the user to the previous screen, eliminating the need to use the menus to reach the topic the user just left.

System Requirements

Windows

Macintosh

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