By Ayo Onikoyi

The Acting Head of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Dr S. G. Olukole has urged anatomy technologists to equip themselves with cognate skills to support the teaching of Anatomy as a subject.

“The role of anatomy technologists in the teaching of anatomy cannot be overemphasized,” Dr Olukole said. “They must be equipped with the necessary skills to prepare anatomical specimens that will aid students’ understanding of the subject.”

The training was led by the Head, Technical Unit, Veterinary Anatomy, Mr Adesina Ramoni, who stated, “Anatomical specimens play a crucial role in the teaching of anatomy, and technologists must be trained to prepare them accurately.”

Mr Ramoni emphasized the importance of osteology in anatomy education, noting, “A strong understanding of osteology is essential for preparing skeletal specimens, and technologists must be well-versed in this area.”

He demonstrated the warm water maceration technique of bone preparation and led participants in a practical session, saying, “Hands-on training is essential for technologists to gain the necessary skills to prepare anatomical specimens.”

Mr Ramoni demonstrated how the knowledge of bones also assists in understanding the sites of soft tissue insertion and the course of neurovascular bundles in the region in both man and animals.

He identified soft tissue removal, bone bleaching, bone de-greasing, labelling and eventual assemblage as the essential processes involved in whole skeleton preparation.

Ramoni demonstrated the warm water maceration technique of bone preparation. Having demonstrated the technique, Mr Ramoni took the participants on a practical session where each group had hands-on experience of bone preparation from carcasses of rabbits presented before them for demonstration.

Dr Olukole commended Mr Ramoni’s expertise, saying, “Mr Ramoni’s skills are a testament to his dedication and continuous learning, and I am glad he is sharing his knowledge with others.”

The training aimed to equip laboratory technologists with the necessary skills to support the teaching of anatomy in tertiary institutions.

For the entire day, each group was able to retrieve the vertebral column of rabbit during the training.

Ramoni, after reviewing the articulations of the vertebral column, gave each group the take home assignment of assembling the column using prescribed anatomical atlas as guide.

By acquiring these skills, anatomy technologists can play a vital role in ensuring the effective teaching and learning of anatomy.

The participants appreciated the training, noting that it filled a significant gap in their skills and knowledge. They expressed gratitude to Dr Olukole and Mr Ramoni for organizing and leading the training, respectively.

The department plans to organize more training sessions in the future, with the goal of equipping anatomy technologists with the skills necessary to support the teaching of anatomy in tertiary institutions. By doing so, the department aims to contribute to the improvement of anatomy education in Nigeria.