Learning about bodies as going beyond the body: Health, anatomy and art

This article initiates a theoretical reflection about the importance of bringing health as a horizon in the teaching of Applied Anatomy and the potential of art as an instrument to do so. First, we look into the concept of health, using it to frame the process of learning about bodies in secondary schools. Second, we present a case study represented by a course in Applied Anatomy that illustrates how health appears directly connected to learning dynamics, in which art is used to foster students’ subjective engagement, facilitating the appropriation of what is learnt in class, and its use in their everyday life. Finally, we discuss the connections between art and anatomy, illustrating them with extracts from students’ reflections. This case study supports the explicit inclusion of health in the educational frame of Applied Anatomy, proposing it as an empowering strategy to foster self-care and healthy habits in high school students.