Anatomy academics and students.Students Celebrate Anatomy Day
Third-year Bachelor of Medical Science students hosted UKZN’s third annual Anatomy Day at the Westville campus quad.
Students showcased their creativity, academic excellence and commitment in making anatomy relevant to real-world health issues affecting the University community, especially fellow students.
The day was part of the Discipline’s activities leading up to World Anatomy Day, celebrated globally later in the year under the theme: Global Perspectives in Anatomy.
Through engaging displays, interactive games and informative hand-outs, students brought their research to life, demonstrating how anatomical knowledge can be used to address pressing health concerns such as heart health, women’s reproductive health and substance use among youth.
One of the day’s highlights was the screening of six educational TikTok videos, created by students for students, which simplified complex anatomical topics in fun, relatable ways that encouraged learning beyond the classroom.
After the videos, the quad came alive with games, skits, and anatomy-themed activities, giving students the chance to engage with peers, discuss research findings and distribute pamphlets on various health topics.
The student presentations covered the following wide range of issues:
• Hearts on overdrive: Energy drinks and cardiovascular anatomy: ‘When the boost breaks the beat: protect your heart from the overconsumption of energy drinks’.
• About one in 10 women suffers from endometriosis – ‘the largest women’s health crisis of our time.
• Implications of contraceptives on ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
• Brains on buds: Cannabis Science.
• Safety and You.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance: ‘Let’s take a deep dive into the world of PCOS and insulin resistance in female university students’.
Academic leader for Teaching and Learning Dr Pamela Pillay commended the students for their innovation and enthusiasm, noting that the event successfully blended academic research, creativity and public health education.
“Anatomy is not just about dissection and theory; it’s about understanding how the human body interacts with everyday life and promoting awareness of health issues that affect our society,” said Pillay.
The event concluded with vibrant discussions, interactive learning, and renewed excitement about the study of anatomy, reinforcing UKZN’s commitment to nurturing scientifically curious, socially aware and community-engaged graduates.
Words and photograph: Nombuso Dlamini