What does it mean? Translating anatomical language to engage public audiences.
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| Title: | What does it mean? Translating anatomical language to engage public audiences. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Sanders, Kat A.1,2 (AUTHOR), Taylor, Adam M.3 (AUTHOR) a.m.taylor@lancaster.ac.uk |
| Source: | Anatomical Sciences Education. Dec2025, Vol. 18 Issue 12, p1329-1336. 8p. |
| Abstract: | The language of anatomy, with its roots in Ancient Greek and Roman languages, is complex and unfamiliar to many. Its complexity creates a significant barrier to public knowledge and understanding of anatomy—many members of the public find themselves asking "what does it mean?", and this can manifest as poor health literacy and outcomes. To address this, anatomists who interact with the public should be able to translate anatomical language and support the development of individuals' foundational understanding of why structures are named the way they are. In this review, language is categorized by themes that inform the naming of anatomical structures, such as function, location, and appearance, and paired with pedagogical approaches informed by education and public engagement research to underpin effective communication that demystifies the language of anatomy for public audiences. Drawing on pre‐existing sometimes unrelated knowledge, gamification and quizzes can make language more accessible and recognizable. Humorous etymological insights into the origins of anatomical terms can build rapport between anatomist and public audience and normalize discussions about sensitive topics, such as genitalia, in an inclusive manner. Finally, eponyms, while contentious due to their lack of diversity and ethical concerns, can serve as narrative subjects to start discussions that address anatomy's relevance to wider socio‐political and bioethical discourse. Ultimately, by deploying established science communication tools when translating anatomical language, anatomists can deliver effective public engagement that cultivates ongoing curiosity in anatomy, its language, and more broadly health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Anatomical Sciences Education is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
| FullText | Text: Availability: 0 |
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| Header | DbId: ehh DbLabel: Education Research Complete An: 192266436 AccessLevel: 6 PubType: Academic Journal PubTypeId: academicJournal PreciseRelevancyScore: 0 |
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| Items | – Name: Title Label: Title Group: Ti Data: What does it mean? Translating anatomical language to engage public audiences. – Name: Author Label: Authors Group: Au Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sanders%2C+Kat+A%2E%22">Sanders, Kat A.</searchLink><relatesTo>1,2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Taylor%2C+Adam+M%2E%22">Taylor, Adam M.</searchLink><relatesTo>3</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> a.m.taylor@lancaster.ac.uk</i> – Name: TitleSource Label: Source Group: Src Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Anatomical+Sciences+Education%22">Anatomical Sciences Education</searchLink>. Dec2025, Vol. 18 Issue 12, p1329-1336. 8p. – Name: Abstract Label: Abstract Group: Ab Data: The language of anatomy, with its roots in Ancient Greek and Roman languages, is complex and unfamiliar to many. Its complexity creates a significant barrier to public knowledge and understanding of anatomy—many members of the public find themselves asking "what does it mean?", and this can manifest as poor health literacy and outcomes. To address this, anatomists who interact with the public should be able to translate anatomical language and support the development of individuals' foundational understanding of why structures are named the way they are. In this review, language is categorized by themes that inform the naming of anatomical structures, such as function, location, and appearance, and paired with pedagogical approaches informed by education and public engagement research to underpin effective communication that demystifies the language of anatomy for public audiences. Drawing on pre‐existing sometimes unrelated knowledge, gamification and quizzes can make language more accessible and recognizable. Humorous etymological insights into the origins of anatomical terms can build rapport between anatomist and public audience and normalize discussions about sensitive topics, such as genitalia, in an inclusive manner. Finally, eponyms, while contentious due to their lack of diversity and ethical concerns, can serve as narrative subjects to start discussions that address anatomy's relevance to wider socio‐political and bioethical discourse. Ultimately, by deploying established science communication tools when translating anatomical language, anatomists can deliver effective public engagement that cultivates ongoing curiosity in anatomy, its language, and more broadly health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] – Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright Label: Group: Ab Data: <i>Copyright of Anatomical Sciences Education is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| PLink | https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=ehh&AN=192266436 |
| RecordInfo | BibRecord: BibEntity: Identifiers: – Type: doi Value: 10.1002/ase.70007 Languages: – Code: eng Text: English PhysicalDescription: Pagination: PageCount: 8 StartPage: 1329 Titles: – TitleFull: What does it mean? Translating anatomical language to engage public audiences. Type: main BibRelationships: HasContributorRelationships: – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Sanders, Kat A. – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Taylor, Adam M. IsPartOfRelationships: – BibEntity: Dates: – D: 01 M: 12 Text: Dec2025 Type: published Y: 2025 Identifiers: – Type: issn-print Value: 19359772 Numbering: – Type: volume Value: 18 – Type: issue Value: 12 Titles: – TitleFull: Anatomical Sciences Education Type: main |
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