students frustrated because the bodies they are dissecting do not conform to others or textbook descriptions . Consequently , they either ignore the variations or inadvertently destroy them in an effort to find conformity and be baffled by every departure from the “ constant ” anatomic form . In brief , the encounter of variations alerts students to the diversity they will encounter in a medical profession and makes the difference between learning from text books and learning from “ real life ” during dissection .
Nowadays , we encounter less and less publications on anatomical variations . The focus of publications , by anatomists as well as by professional anatomical journals , has shifted towards molecular medicine , stem cells and regenerative medicine ; topics that are considered of more relevance to grants approval and consequently advancement of the anatomists ’ careers . Consequently , the deficiency in the publications about anatomical variations is tragic and the anatomical knowledge is impoverished by this trend in publication . Therefore , we feel that shedding the light on such a relevant topic may alleviate , to some extent , profound deficiencies now found in many modern anatomy textbooks .
Anatomy being a visual science , the teaching of anatomical sciences has evolved through the years in parallel with the advancement of instruments and technologies used in the field . With the introduction of radiology and new information technology , anatomical research reached a very wide spectrum of topics since anatomy forms the geography where all diseases of the body occur from cellular to tissue , organ and system levels . Consequently , in the past five decades we witnessed more publications in anatomical sciences adopting the most advanced research techniques , in particular , in terms of microscopy and imaging .
The GCASE , being aware of the wide spectrum of anatomical research in its various forms ( basic , clinical as well as social and behavioral ) and its various levels ( from gross anatomy to molecular structures ) conceived this special issue of JADE to reflect such richness in research productivity of anatomists . I believe that anatomical research is “ what anatomists do ”, despite their heavier teaching loads compared to other faculty members in other disciplines . Such richness is demonstrated in the scientific and professional publications sponsored by the professional Anatomy Societies all over the world . We are thankful to the Journal of Academic Development and Education ( JADE ) for devoting a special issue to anatomical sciences through GCASE . This issue of JADE gathers a multicolored “ bouquet ” of articles selected after a thorough review process . These articles ranging from anatomy education , to advanced microscopic and molecular investigations illustrate a wide spectrum of anatomical knowledge as well as interactive learning , anatomical variations and pathologies of relevance encountered in the dissection room .
Last but not least , we would like to thank Keele University and the Institute for Innovation and Teaching Excellence as well as all those who have put tireless efforts to conceive and publish this special issue of JADE .
Inaya Hajj-Hussein , Angelo Leone , Abdo Jurjus