In this study, the perception of human anatomy students faced with constructing a three-dimensional (3-D) pelvis model (to scale) was studied. Few studies evaluate the perception of students facing learning and teaching methodologies with 3-D models. The activity was performed with students from a human anatomy course as part of the obstetrics degree, in which models of pelvic zone bone structures (to scale) were supplied in order to incorporate the anatomic structures (ligaments, muscles, vascularization and innervation). Once the activity was finished, a perception questionnaire was taken. 60 students participated in the activity of constructing the 3-D anatomical model and also completed the questionnaire. It was found that over 93 % of the students felt motivated, believed the activity facilitated learning and also that the activity was well planned. Some of the negative factors that were reported included time taken and the associated costs. Due to the positive perception of the students involved in the activity of constructing anatomical models, this is considered to be a suitable methodology for use during the process of teaching and learning about human anatomy.

KEY WORDS: Medical education; Human anatomy; 3- D models; Learning and teaching; Obstetrics.