ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MODERN AND AYURVEDIC ANATOMY EDUCATION: CURRENT APPLICATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Anatomy education serves as the cornerstone of medical training across both modern and traditional medicine systems. However, traditional pedagogical approaches—relying heavily on cadaveric dissection and two-dimensional illustrations—face mounting challenges, including cadaver shortages, ethical concerns, and the need to engage technology-oriented Generation Z learners. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in anatomical education, offering virtual dissection simulations, adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and generative AI-powered chatbots. In modern medical education, AI tools such as ChatGPT, Anatbuddy, and VR/AR-based platforms have demonstrated significant potential in personalizing learning, generating assessment materials, and enhancing student engagement. Concurrently, in Ayurvedic anatomy education (Sharira Rachana), AI-powered tools like CADAVIZ and AyurSIM are bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary technological methods, enabling three-dimensional visualization of anatomical concepts and addressing resource disparities. This review consolidates existing evidence on AI applications in both streams of anatomy education, evaluates their effectiveness, and identifies key challenges including content accuracy concerns, over-reliance on technology, ethical considerations, and the need for customized knowledge bases. The findings underscore that AI should augment rather than replace traditional teaching methods, with a balanced, ethically guided approach being essential for effective integration. Future directions include developing specialized AI tools for traditional medicine anatomy, integrating real clinical cases, and establishing systematic AI literacy programmes for both educators and students.