In-depth understanding of human anatomy does not only require a lot of factual knowledge but also developing spatial abilities. Active learning, visualisation and last, but not least, humour are known to be a source of inspiration and to improve academic performance.

Having taught anatomy, embryology and radiology for more than 25 years the author would like to share her experience of visualizing complicated anatomical relationships.

Examples: The development of the heart can be visualized by Play Doh.

A banana helps to understand the embryonic rotation of the stomach.

The structure of a placenta can be compared to a stewpot.

A special rag doll is used to demonstrate the topography of internal organs.

In order to explain the uterus and the broad ligament the author appears like a ghost.

The author was named the student-selected Teacher of the Year in 2008, 2010 and 2012. For the past 11 semesters her general lecture “Basics of Anatomy and Embryology” was always placed among the top 4 in the ranking list of about 100 general lectures of the local medical faculty.

Einsteins saying “Make things as simple as possible but not simpler.” could be applied to the methodology of human anatomy teaching.

“When I hear, I forget; when I see, I remember; and when I do, I understand.” (Chinese proverb)

The author wishes to thank Prof. Markus Missler, M.D. (Head of the Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology), Prof. Werner Wittkowski, M.D. (Former Head of the Institute of Anatomy / Neuroanatomy), Bernhard Marschall, M.D. and Jan C. Becker, M.D. (Heads of the Department of Medical Education, Medical Faculty), all University of Muenster, Germany, for their longstanding support.