Anatomy images are a valuable tool for sharing information in health care. They can help explain a procedure to a patient or teach a provider a new skill.

Finding a cost-free, copyright-compliant anatomy image that serves your needs can be challenging. Library Services recommends starting your search with the following resources, accessible through Library Services' Databases A-Z list and the Copyright subject guide:

  • AnatomyTOOL
  • Anatomy.tv

AnatomyTOOL

AnatomyTOOL (Topic Oriented Open Learning) is a platform that provides open-access materials for teaching and learning anatomy. It includes a collection of anatomy images that may be downloaded. Most are in the public domain or have Creative Commons licenses.

How to Find and Use Images in AnatomyTOOL:

For assistance using AnatomyTOOL, book a consultation with a Librarian Educator.

Anatomy.tv

Anatomy.tv is a multimedia resource featuring a robust collection of interactive 3D models of human anatomy. It is a subscription-based resource published and maintained by Teton Data Systems (TDS Health). Library Services provides access to Anatomy.tv for Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians.

You can customize Anatomy.tv images by:

  • Rotating them
  • Adding or removing anatomical layers
  • Highlighting anatomical structures
  • Adding labels

Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians may download Anatomy.tv images and use them for educational purposes, including:

  • printed or digital course packs and other educational materials
  • LMS courses
  • presentations
  • patient education materials (including patient pamphlets)

When using Anatomy.tv images, you must acknowledge the source and retain the copyright information (Primal Pictures logo) embedded on the downloaded image file.

How to Find and Use Images in Anatomy.tv:

For assistance using Anatomy.tv:

You can find links to these and other trusted image sources on the Copyright subject guide’s Using Images page. If you have questions about using images in your content, please contact us at Copyright@nshealth.ca.

Lana MacEachern

Library Technician
Pictou/Colchester-East Hants/Cumberland Region