Patterns
1
Introduction
These string boards are based on classic 1970’s string art. Students use their hands and coloured wool to trace and learn several axon tracts:
- Spinal reflex arc
- Corticospinal tract (motor)
- Dorsal column tract (sensory)
- Spinothalamic tract (sensory)
- Spinocerebellar tract (sensory)
Model
Construction
Stylised images of different levels of the brain and spinal cord (based on actual sections) were drawn out and the various tracts and nuclei marked out within them. The final composite image template (PDF 965KB) was printed out on adhesive plastic and stuck onto board. Nails were hammered in – large headed nails for cell bodies and finer nails for waypoints. A cheat sheet (PDF 102KB) was also produced to assist the students.
Attribution
String Art: Axon Tracts in the Spinal Cord
Dr Marilyn Duxson, Dr Ping Liu and Dr Brad Hurren (academic support), Fieke Neuman and Robbie McPhee (initial drawings and final artwork), Alex Witherow (wooden boards). Department of Anatomy, University of Otago.
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