There are several fields within palaeontology, zoology, and veterinary anatomy that require the teaching of anatomical content in their subjects, both at the undergraduate and master's studies. We have assembled a team consisting of members from faculties involved in the field of vertebrate anatomy, with the aim of designing a virtual anatomy education project. The result is a virtual anatomy teaching proposal supported by 3D anatomical models, designed as a tool to enhance learning in vertebrate anatomy studies, both for independent learning in the classroom and in an online format. The project has a double purpose: a) provide students with 3D models containing basic anatomical information that allows them to learn interactively, identifying the bone and dental elements of the main vertebrate groups; and b) incorporate students from different academic levels (undergraduate, master's, PhD) who show interest in vertebrate anatomy into the work team. The goal is to train our students (undergraduate and postgraduate) in the development and use of these virtual tools as an integral part of their learning process with 3D technology. PhD students use 3D tools (scanners and software) as part of their thesis projects. These "senior" students are, in fact, teaching-research staff in training at our university, and their role in this project is to train a selection of undergraduate and master's students in the development and use of this virtual technology. The purpose of this second objective of the project is to promote teaching-learning interaction among students through a common goal, which is vertebrate anatomy. In addition, the experience of the younger students in learning will provide valuable information to the teachers about the most effective and engaging ways to design teaching, while for the students, it means gaining access to 3D tools for their future professional careers. The resulting project has generated a collection of virtual models in comparative osteology of different species of biological, archaeological, or veterinary interest, which will aid undergraduate and master's students in the autonomous learning of bone anatomy. Students learn to identify anatomical landmarks in different groups of vertebrates. The creation of a digital archive (developing a virtual library) includes a selection of vertebrates (primarily cranial elements) in user-friendly formats (PDF and QR codes), addressing the needs of students as online teaching material and support for in-person practical sessions.

Keywords: 3D models, vertebrates, online practical classes, virtual anatomy.