VDI worked with McMaster University's Anatomy Department to create a demonstration learning module to support the learning of complex subject matter: the brachial plexus set of nerves originating in the spine that control a person's arms.

Experience indicated that students had difficulty understanding the interaction of nerve branches in this area.

Still and animated two-dimensional graphics are used to present the different regions and their names. Students can highlight different regions and click on specific ventral rami to see which muscles they innervate.

A real-time three-dimensional model of the nerve system lets the student control the level of detail, types of movements and viewpoint.

One seasoned anatomy professor expressed "I've never seen the brachial plexus from this point of view. I can zoom in, zoom out and view the movement from any angle!"

The module covers the following topics:

• Regions of the brachial plexus
• Nerve paths
• Animated musculature
• Movements and injuries
• Animated movements and injuries