This tool aims to provide medical students with a hands-on way to create layered 2D models of lower leg anatomy through cutting out and sticking individual muscle diagrams onto a base layer in the correct order. The layered models are intended to help students understand the spatial relationships between muscles and reinforce learning. Students follow instructions to cut out and attach seven muscle diagrams - starting with the popliteus and ending with the gastrocnemius - using color-coded attachment points and references to origin and insertion. Reference sheets show the correct muscle order and positions.

1. Layered Learning
Anatomy Workshop
Heather Sullivan
ANATOMY LEARNING TOOL
This tool aims to provide medical students with a multisensory
method of creating their own 2D layered models of anatomy,
easily and at low cost. The layering of the anatomical structures
intends to help students gain an understanding of where
structures lie in relation to one another and the self-creative
element of the tool helps to reinforce the learning process.

2. 2
Contents Page
Content Page
Title Page 1
Contents sheet 2
Explanatory guide 3
Work Sheets 4-11
Base Layer 4
Popliteus 5
Tibialis Posterior 6
Flexor Digitorum Longus 7
Flexor Hallucis Longs 8
Soleus 9
Plantaris 10
Gastrocnemius 11
Reference sheets 12-13

3. 3
Explanatory Guide to the Anatomy Learning Tool
In order to create the 2D layered model of the posterior lower leg follow the
instructions below.
First of all ensure you have all the necessary materials and equipment:
 The complete workbook, containing the base-layer and seven pages of
muscles.
 Scissors
 A set of 25 sticky attachments. (ask for more if needed)
Making your Model:
Step 1: Take out and study the base-layer (this will help to keep orientated to the area
of anatomy during the making of the model).
Step 2: Read through the first muscle sheet (popliteus), taking note of the origin and
insertion as this will help you place the muscle correctly on the base-layer.
Step 3: Cut out the muscle, ensuring to keep track of which end is the insertion and
which the origin.
Step 4: Attach the square(s) of the sticky foam to the reverse side of where the hashed
colour tab is.
Step 5: Matching the colour of the attaching end to the colour on the base-layer, peel
off the sticky cover and attach the muscle to the base-layer.
Step 6: Repeat steps 2 through 5 with each muscle until you have layered up to the
final sheet (Gastrocnemius).
Step 7: Once the layered model has been completed the accuracy can be checked with
stage seven of the Reference Sheet on page 16.
If you have any problems, consult the Reference Sheets on pages 12 and 13.

4. 4

5. 5

6. 6

7. 7

8. 8

9. 9

10. 10

11. 11

12. 12
Reference Sheets
The following sheets show the order and
positions of the muscles.
This can be used for reference if there are
difficulties with following the guidelines or
at the end to check the accuracy of the
muscle positioning.
The images are displayed in the order that
the muscles are attached, beginning with
the popliteus in image 1.
1
2 3

13. 13
6
4 5
7