Image: SuppliedThe University of the Western Cape recently celebrated World Anatomy Day on Thursday, 16 October 2025, showcasing the university’s commitment to excellence in anatomical sciences through an engaging and interactive experience for the university community. The annual global observance, formally takes place on 15 October to commemorate the death of Andreas Vesalius, the father of modern anatomy, promotes anatomical sciences and global collaboration.
The UWC celebration hosted by the Department of Medical Biosciences featured a comprehensive programme that highlighted both traditional and modern advancements in the field of Anatomy. The event was organised by Dr BC Langa and Prof CS Opuwari. The Head of Department, Professor Andre Oelofse, provided the welcome.
In the welcome speech, Prof Oelofse stated that the day was initiated not only to honour the legacy of one of history’s great anatomists, Andreas Vesalius, but also to recognise the vital role anatomy continues to play in science, medicine, education and in art. “This day is also a reminder of how far we’ve come from the early hand-drawn illustrations of Galen, a Greek physician from the 2nd century, to the early Chinese and Indian anatomists, Hua Tuo and Sushruta,” said Prof Oelofse.
He said that those early drawings were later corrected or refined by Vesalius in the 16th century, and those insights are still used to this day. “Today we have digital models, 3D printing and virtual dissection tables. We now have AI (artificial intelligence), which has entered the world of anatomy as well,” said Prof Oelofse.
“While our tools have evolved, the essence of anatomy remains unchanged. It is about curiosity, precision, and deep respect for the human form. Anatomy is more than just a study of the human body,” said Prof Oelofse.
In the first session, plenary talks were presented by Prof Onyemachi O Azu and Dr Sahar Abdul-Rasool, covering "Handling of Corpses During Mass Disaster" and "Immortalising the Mortals - Providing Spectacular Anatomy Through Plastination", respectively. The session concluded with an Anatomy Themed Poem presented by Ms Mpho Mosia (an honours student in the department) on behalf of the author Mr EJM Maboza.
During the second session, participants interacted with various hands-on activities featuring 3D printed anatomical models, including a humeral head, heart, and brachial plexus, anatomy art and quizzes assisted by the Anatomy team (staff and postgraduate students). The 3D brachial plexus model was collaboratively designed and printed by Dr Steve Randall, Mr. Liam McEvoy and Prof Sudesh Sivarasu from the University of Cape Town's Biomedical Engineering Division. Dr Kentse Mpolokeng, Senior Lecturer in the Division of Clinical Anatomy and Biological Anthropology at UCT, facilitated this project at the request of Dr BC Langa and Prof CS Opuwari.
Prof Gérard C Filies, Chairperson of the Interprofessional Education Unit (IPEU) in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape, designed and printed the 3D humeral head and heart models, also at the request of Dr. BC Langa and Prof CS Opuwari. These contributions exemplify meaningful inter-faculty and inter-institutional collaboration.
Additionally, attendees explored anatomical structures through virtual reality (VR), with Nathier Rhoda facilitating the experience using Primal Pictures technology. The celebration concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Langa, who also presented prizes to participants for their artwork. Attendees then gathered for lunch and continued networking. The day successfully emphasised the vital role of anatomical sciences while showcasing UWC's commitment to integrating innovative technology with foundational medical education—a fitting reflection of the 2025 theme, "Global Perspectives of Anatomy."
