MSK Anatomy - SecondLook

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational self-assessment application, part of the SecondLook™ series from the University of Michigan Medical School, facilitates the study of human musculoskeletal anatomy. The app utilizes a series of high-quality anatomical slides derived from the university's Anatomy & Plastination Labs, featuring images of osteology and soft tissues. The platform presents a slide-based format with guiding questions, allowing users to review key structures, self-evaluate their knowledge, and test their recognition of clinically-relevant concepts in preparation for examinations.

Development & Context

• The SecondLook™ app series was initiated at the University of Michigan to provide students with a self-review resource in response to reduced in-classroom time for anatomical sciences.
• The concept originated as PowerPoint files for a histology course and was later developed into a mobile app platform covering various medical subjects.
• The news coverage notes the original histology app in the series received the University of Michigan's Provost's Teaching Innovation Prize in 2013.
• Collectively, the apps have been downloaded over 49,000 times in 180 countries as of early 2019.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is designed as an educational support tool for first-year medical students, nursing students, and other learners in the health sciences. Its scope is limited to self-assessment and review of musculoskeletal anatomy to help users identify knowledge gaps in preparation for formal examinations. The content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for primary instruction.