BodyViz Brain Builders

Short educational videos with real life applications and patient examples

3-6 Minute Videos. Free to use.

HELP SIMPLIFY ANATOMICAL CONCEPTS FOR YOUR STUDENTS

Created to help concepts click for anatomy students, use these videos to show them detailed explanations of anatomical concepts with supporting 3D visualizations created from real human anatomy. Each video highlights an anatomical concept as well as signs, symptoms, treatments, and a patient example of a relevant diagnosis.  We have a growing library with more Brain Builders being added weekly!

Visit our YouTube Channel to watch and share these videos with your students and colleagues! Don't forget to subscribe so you receive updates when new videos are released! 

Contact our team to learn more about our Brain Builder Videos and how you can use them in your courses.

How to use Brain Builder Videos:

  1. Share them with your students.  Do you have a unit coming up about any of the topics of our Brain Builders? Send a link out to your students to watch the short 5 min video and read the article before lecture. They will come into lecture with a foundational understanding.
  2. Use these in lecture.  Coming up with creative ways to keep student's attention can be difficult. Play this short video to add some variety and clinical correlation to your lecture! Students find clinical application of what they are learning interesting. 
  3. Create a quiz.  Gauge your students' interest. Are your students bored of textbook assignments that they can find the answers for online? Assign them to watch this video and create a TopHat, Kahoot, or short quiz for points!

Want to take it a step further? Schedule an online demonstration with our team to learn how you can incorporate BodyViz software into your curriculum so your students can virtually dissect and interact with the exact 3D anatomical studies included in this video!

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Multiple Systems

Coronary Circulation and Stents

The blood vessels supplying the heart with oxygen and nutrients are termed the coronary arteries. Learn about the vasculature of the heart and intracoronary stents with a patient case example of coronary artery disease.
  • Right Coronary Artery and its branches
  • Left Coronary Artery and its branches
  • Coronary Artery Disease (C.A.D) and Angioplasty

Glands of the Skin and Acne

Video and article explaining the glands of the skin and acne with a dermatology patient case example! Use this free video resource and article in your class to learn about the glands of the skin and challenge your students to think like a dermatologist.

  • Cutaneous Glands, Sudoriferous Glands (sweat glands), and Sebaceous Glands (oil glands)
  • Non-inflammatory Acne: whiteheads and blackheads
  • Inflammatory Acne: papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts

Inner Ear and Ménière’s Disease

Simplified video explanation of the inner ear and application of anatomy with a Ménière’s disease patient case example. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for Ménière’s disease.

  • The three segments of the ear: External, Middle, and Inner Ear
  • Components of the inner ear: Bony Labyrinth, Cochlea, Vestibule, Semicircular Canals, and Membranous Labyrinth
  • Endolymph and Perilymph

Cardiac Muscle and Cardiomyopathy

View a patient case example of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and introduction of cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is involuntary striated muscle tissue.

  • Cellular Anatomy of Cardiac Muscle
  • Similarities of Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy symptoms, causes, and treatments

Urinary System and Urethritis

Video introduction to the male and female urinary system with an explanation of urethritis. The urethra is a muscular elastic tube connecting the urinary bladder superiorly to the exterior environment. Learn about the differences between the male and female urethras in this Brain Builder.

  • Differences between the Male and Female Urethras
  • Components of the urinary system: Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, and Urethra
  • Urethritis symptoms, causes, and treatments

Large Intestine and Umbilical Hernias

Video covering the anatomy of the large intestine and umbilical hernias with authentic 3D virtual dissection visualizations. At the end of the video, there is an explanation of the symptoms, causes, and treatments of umbilical hernias.

  • The 3 Gross Anatomical Characteristics of the large intestine
  • Segments of the large intestine: Cecum, Ascending Colon, Transverse Colon, Descending Colon, Sigmoid Colon, Rectum, and Anal Canal 
  • Quick explanation of the Linea Alba and Umbilical Ring

Stomach and Stomach Ulcers

This Brain Builder covers the anatomy of the stomach, the 4 histological layers of the stomach, and stomach ulcers. A stomach ulcer is the result of a gastric (stomach) acid damaging the mucosal lining of the stomach, producing open sores that often bleed and cause stomach pain. 

  • Anatomy of the stomach: Fundus, Body, Antrum, and Pylorus
  • 4 histological layers: Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis externa, and Serosa
  • Stomach (gastric) Ulcers

Cranial Nerves and Bell's Palsy

Learn about the 12 pairs of cranial nerves and idiopathic facial palsy, also known as Bell’s Palsy, which is a form of temporary facial paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, resulting from a dysfunction of the VIIth cranial nerve.

  • The 12 Pairs of Cranial Nerves
  • Closer look at the VIIth Facial Cranial Nerves
  • Bell's Palsy or Idiopathic Facial Palsy

Nervous System and Strokes

In this Brian Builder we discuss the divisions of the nervous system, cells of the nervous system, vasculature of the brain, strokes, the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, and more! Towards the end of the video see the symptoms, causes, and treatments for strokes with a patient case example.

  • Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  • Neurons and Glial Cells
  • Vasculature of the Brain
  • Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale

Anatomical Movements

Through contraction and relaxation, muscles produce movements at joints that can be described clearly using anatomical movement terminology.  In this Brain Builder we are going to look at anatomical movements and their antagonist (opposite) movements.

  • Flexion and Extension
  • Abduction and Adduction
  • Pronation and Supination
  • Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion
  • Inversion and Eversion
  • Protraction and Retraction

Study Tips

In this video and article our anatomy experts at BodyViz share their top study tips that helped them in their anatomy studies. Share these tips with your class!

  • Drawing
  • Self-explaining
  • Flashcards
  • Hands-on studying

Anatomical Terminology

Learning anatomy is very similar to learning a new language because there are hundreds of different prefixes, root words, and suffixes used in medical and anatomical terminology. Having a basic knowledge of just a few of these can help familiarize yourself with new and obscure terms.

  • Prefixes
  • Root Words
  • Suffixes

Lymphocytes and Lymphocytopenia

Lymphocytes are the primary cells of the immune system. When a lymphocyte encounters a pathogen it will initiate an immune response. This Brain Builder focuses on the 3 types of lymphocytes and gives a patient case example at the end!

  • B Cells
  • T Cells
  • NK Cells
  • Lymphocytosis and Lymphocytopenia

Synovial Joints and Dislocation

Any joint can dislocate, but the chances of dislocation are not the same for all joints. This Brain Builder focuses on synovial joints (also termed diarthrosis joints) which allow for the greatest range of motion and have the greatest possibility for a dislocation. 

  • 7 Characteristics of synovial (diarthrosis) joints.
  • Synovial Joint stability.
  • Joint Dislocation (luxation).

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Learn arterial vasculature and nerve innervation of the lower limb with this Brain Builder! Also learn about how diabetes mellitus is known to cause peripheral neuropathy and atherosclerosis which contribute to the formation of diabetic foot ulcers.

  • Nerves of the Lower Limb: tibial, sural, and medial calcaneal nerves.
  • Vasculature of the Lower Limb: popliteal artery, anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and more.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy and Atherosclerosis affects with Diabetes Mellitus.

Adrenal Glands and Addison Disease

The adrenal (or suprarenal) glands are part of the endocrine system and secrete important hormones for the body. Learn about the anatomy of the adrenal glands, the hormones they secrete, and Addison disease in this Brain Builder!

  • Adrenal Cortex
  • Adrenal Medulla
  • Addison Disease symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Larynx and Laryngitis

Learn about the larynx and laryngitis with this Brain Builder including a patient example of an 11 year old boy at the end of this video! This brain builder convers the cartilages of the larynx and the true and false vocal cords.

  • 3 Large Cartilages of the Larynx: thyroid Cartilage, cricoid cartilage
    epiglottic cartilage (epiglottis).
  • Ventricular Folds (false vocal cords) and the Vocal Folds (true vocal cords).
  • Laryngitis symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Endocrine System and Pancreatic Cancer

Brain Builder covering the anatomy of the endocrine system, pancreas, and pancreatic cancer. The endocrine system produces long term adjustments for your body to maintain homeostasis.

  • Endocrine Glands: pancreatic islets, adrenal glands, pituitary glands, gonadal structures, thyroid gland, and the parathyroid gland.
  • Anatomy of the Pancreas
  • Pancreatic Exocrine and Endocrine Cancer

Male Reproductive System and Vasectomy

Learn about the functions of the male reproductive tract, the male gonads, the production of sperm, and more with this Brain Builder! We also explain a vasectomy procedure, which is a form of male birth control. 

  • Penis: the body and the root.
  • Scrotum and Testes: external of the body and where sperm formation occurs.
  • Internal Reproductive Tract: epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal glands, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.

Female Reproductive System and Ovarian Cancer

This Brain Builder covers ovarian cancer and the female reproductive system, which is composed of the external genitalia and the internal pelvic structures. Learn about the functions of the female reproductive system, the female gonads, and the production of estrogen and progesterone.

  • External Genitalia: labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris.
  • Internal Pelvic Structures: ovaries, uterine tubes or fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
  • Production and affects of Estrogen and Progesterone.

Joints and Osteoarthritis

Learn about the joints of the skeletal system with real 3D visualizations and examples from BodyViz 3D dissection software! Additionally,  learn about the differences between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis with a patient case example.

  • Synarthrosis Joints: fibrous joints and cartilaginous joints.
  • Diarthrosis (Synovial) Joints
  • Arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Fracture

Video with real 3D visualizations of the bones of the pelvis and real 3D anatomy a patient with a multi-fractured pelvis. Share this video with your students and see a care accident patient case example at the end.

  • Bones of the Pelvis: pubis, ischium, ilium, and sacrum.
  • Pubic symphysis and Ala of the ilium.
  • Signs, symptoms, and causes of Pelvic Fractures.

Small Intestines and Celiac Disease

Short video explaining the anatomy of the small intestine and celiac disease covering the symptoms, possible causes, and treatment for celiac disease.

  • 3 Segments of the Small Intestine: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
  • Histological features: plicae circularis, villi, and microvilli
  • Layers of the Small Intestine: mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa.

Planes of the Body and Anatomical Directions

Video over the Anatomical planes and directional terms. Share this with instructors and students! Learn about anatomical position, anatomical directions, and the three planes of the body. At the end, see a real world example of how this knowledge can be used in the medical field!

  • Anatomical Position is standing upright, feet flat with toes forward, eyes forward, and arms at the sides with palms rotated forward.
  • Anatomical Terms: proximal, distal, lateral, medial, anterior, posterior, superficial, and deep. 
  • 3 Planes of the Body: frontal or coronal plane, transverse or cross-sectional plane, and sagittal or parasagittal plane. 

Integumentary System and Burns

Video explanation of the integumentary system and burns using 3D Anatomy Software! The integumentary system, or integument, is composed of the skin and its derivatives (nails, hair, and glands). Learn about the different layers that comprise the skin. 

  • Epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin. 
  • Dermis is the next layer deep to the epidermis of the skin.
  • Degrees of Burns: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns.

Brainstem and Alzheimer's Disease

The three subdivisions of the brain, the four components of the brainstem, what each of the components of the brainstem do, and an explanation of Alzheimer’s disease in this BodyViz Brain Builder! Additionally, learn about the symptoms, causes, treatments, and a patient case example of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Three basic Subdivisions of the Brain: cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and brainstem.
  • Four Components of the Brainstem: diencephalon, mesencephalon (midbrain), metencephalon (pons), and myelencephalon (medulla).

Lymphatic System and Lymphoma

Short video explaining what comprises the lymphatic system and the difference between Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. At the end, see a real patient case example with 3D anatomy visualizations using BodyViz!

  • Lymphatic Vessels carry the lymph from the periphery to the lymphatic system.
  • Lymphocytes are the cells of the lymphatic system and are responsible for specific immunity.
  • Lymph Nodes are small, encapsulated lymphatic organs.

Skeletal Muscle and Muscular Dystrophy

Real patient case study of muscular dystrophy and short explanation of skeletal muscle. Use this video to incorporate real 3D Anatomy into your class!

  • Four characteristics of Muscle Tissue.
  • Categories of Skeletal Muscle: agonist, antagonist, synergist, and fixator.
  • Concentric Layers of Skeletal Muscle: epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium. 

Cardiovascular System and Pacemaker

Learn about the cardiovascular system, anatomy of the heart, bradycardia, and a pacemaker with this BodyViz Brain Builder featuring real 3D anatomy from BodyViz anatomical software!

  • Heart Anatomy with right and left atriums and right and left ventricles. 
  • Circulatory System including the pulmonary and systemic circuit.
  • Conducting System of the heart with explanation of a pacemaker and bradycardia example.

Respiratory System and Tracheostomy

Description of the respiratory system and a patient with procedure example of a tracheostomy! The respiratory system consists of the nose, nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, terminal bronchioles, and the alveoli. In this Brain builder we are going to focus on the respiratory structures within the thoracic cavity starting with the trachea.

  • Respiratory Structures in the thoracic cavity.
  • Surface and internal Anatomy of the Lungs.
  • Tracheostomy explanation and example.

Liver and Cirrhosis

Discover more about what the liver does and the symptoms, causes, and treatments of cirrhosis + a patient case example! This video uses 3D anatomy visualizations that correlate with the BodyViz Portal Clinical Correlation showcasing a real patient with cirrhosis of the liver! 

  • The Liver is the largest gland in the body composed of 2 primary lobes. 
  • Hepatocytes are the main cell comprising the liver 
  • Cirrhosis explanation and real patient example

Fetal Development and Meconium Aspiration

See the stages of fetal development in 3D visualizations and learn about meconium aspiration symptoms, causes, and treatments with a patient case example.

  • Fetus from weeks 9 until birth. 
  • Fetal Development of what happens during this 30-week time frame. 
  • Meconium explanation and patient example or meconium aspiration.

Meninges and Epidural Injection

The 3D anatomy of the cranial and spinal meninges with explanation of an epidural injection featuring a patient and procedure example! Share a link to this video with your students.

  • Layers of the Meninges: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid composition and function.
  • Central Nervous System composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Brain and Dementia

See the 3 subdivisions of the brain and the 4 components of the brain stem in real 3D anatomy!  Learn about some of the details and functions of the brain; symptoms, causes, and treatments of dementia; and a patient case example!

  • 3 Subdivisions of the Brain: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem.
  • Sulci and Gyri of the cerebrum.
  • Brain Stem Components: diencephalon, mesencephalon (midbrain), pons, and medulla oblongata.

Thoracic Cage and Pneumothorax

The thoracic cavity is composed of the ribs, thoracic vertebrae, costal cartilages, and the sternum.  Learn the 3 different groups of ribs, and the 3 components of the sternum! See a patient example of a pneumothorax and learn the symptoms, causes, and treatments.

  • The 12 pairs of ribs and 3 groups of ribs: vertebrosternal, vertebrochondral, and floating ribs.
  • Sternum 3 components: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
  • Pneumothorax is a life-threatening injury where the air enters the thoracic cavity and the lung collapses.

Vertebral Column and Sciatica

Learn about the regions of the vertebral column with a study tip on how to remember how many vertebrae are in each region and the names of the regions.  Also see a patient example of sciatica - use this video in your class to show your students a real world example!

  • 3 Regions of the Vertebral Column: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar plus the sacrum and coccyx. 
  • Intervertebral Discs serve to maintain the proper spacing between each vertebra and assist in the transmission of force.
  • Sciatica is pinching of the sciatic nerve causing lower back pain.  

Heart Valves and Heart Surgeries

See real anatomy of the heart with this BodyViz Brain Builder! Learn the names and components of the 4 heart valves, types of heart valves disorders, and heart surgery methods used to correct them! You will also learn symptoms, causes, and treatments of heart valve disorders; and a patient case example!

  • Atrioventricular Valves showcasing the tricuspid and bicuspid (or mitral) valves. 
  • Semilunar Valves showcasing the aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves.
  • Heart Valve Surgeries: valvotomy, percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty, transcutaneous valve replacement, and more!

The Cranium and Craniosynostosis

Learn about the 8 bones of the cranium and the sutures that connect them visualized in 3D with anatomy software! See an example of symptoms, causes, treatments, and a patient case of craniosynostosis.

  • 8 Bones of the Cranium: frontal bone, paired parietal bones, paired temporal bones, occipital bone, sphenoid bone, and ethmoid bone.
  • Sutures are immovable joints that connect the bones of the cranium.
  • See the frontonasal suture, coronal suture, sagittal suture, squamous suture, and the lambdoid suture

Long Bones

What are the different types of bone? What are the signs of a broken bone? Learn these answers and more about the types of fractures there are and what specially makes up a long bone. 

  • Bone Classifications: long, short, flat, and irregular.
  • Periosteum covers the shaft of the long bone. 
  • Medullary Cavity hollow cavity that houses yellow bone marrow.
  • Articulating Ends covered in articular hyaline cartilage. 

Living Liver Transplant

What is living liver transplant and is it any different from a normal liver transplant? Find out by watching this video! Learn about why the liver is similar to a coffee pot; symptoms, causes, and treatments of liver failure; and a patient case example!

  • 4 Lobes of the Liver which are the left and right main lobes, and the quadrate and caudate accessory lobes.
  • Hepatic Lobules which filter blood of toxins. 
  • Central Hepatic Vein which disperses filtered blood into the inferior vena cava.

Kidney Stones

Sometimes called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, kidney stones are small stones that are formed in the kidneys and can block urine from passing through the body. See real kidney stones in a 3D patient scan!
  • Renal Medulla are small funnel filters that concentrate fluid.
  • Renal Cortex houses inner structures of the kidneys.
  • Renal Sinus is a collecting place of fluid before transportation.
  • Ureters are ducts that transport fluid from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Tommy John Surgery

Also called an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, a Tommy John surgery is performed to repair an ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow that can be torn from overuse. Learn more about the elbow and where the Tommy John surgery got its name with a patient example at the end!
  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament helps stabilize the elbow joint.
  • Lateral Humeroradial Joint between the humerus and the radius.
  • Medial Humeroulnar Joint between the humerus and the ulna. 

Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

What is Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments with a patient example of a collegiate swimmer. This video also overviews a brief explanation of the:

  • Brachial Plexus (C5-T1) carries movement and sensory signals from the spinal cord to the arms and hands.
  • Superior Thoracic Outlet is a passing that nerves and blood vessels pass from the neck or upper limb (arms) to the thoracic cavity.
It's exciting, it's cutting edge. It sets us apart from other community colleges. We're using it in biology and health sciences such as nursing, RT, OTA, PTA. This has been a huge enhancement for my students, where we don't have cadavers to dissect. Hawkeye Community College
BodyViz enhances the education experience beyond what we can do in the gross anatomy lab. We can look at patient injuries and pathology. We can use 3D glasses to get that spatial relationship that we need to have in order to teach 3D structures and relationships. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
BodyViz was a better fit for us because it isn’t confined to a table, like many of the other virtual anatomy solutions, and can adapt to all of our anatomy courses in any environment. Blue Mountain College
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1000's of 3D Anatomical Studies

MyBodyViz Library

Browse through 1000's of studies and pre-made learning resources included in our library to use in your courses. Each study includes the patient history, giving you insight on the background of each patient you are virtually dissecting. Upload MRI/CT scans in a matter of minutes to visualize and dissect actual studies from your teaching hospital.

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