Subject terms
Photorealistic 3D models (PR3DM) have great potential to supplement anatomy education; however, there is evidence that realism can increase cognitive load and negatively impact anatomy learning, particularly in students with decreased spatial ability. These differing viewpoints have resulted in difficulty in incorporating PR3DM when designing anatomy courses. To determine the effects of spatial ability on anatomy learning and reported intrinsic cognitive load using a drawing assessment, and of PR3DM versus an Artistic colour-coded 3D model (A3DM) on extraneous cognitive load and learning performance. First-year medical students participated in a cross-sectional (Study 1) and a double-blind randomised control trial (Study 2). Pre-tests analysed participants' knowledge of anatomy of the heart (Study 1, 