This paper describes how microanatomy is taught and assessed in an undergraduate course with a very large student intake, using closed circuit television (CCTV) and self-directed learning (SDL) based upon workbook activities and clinical problem-solving. The teaching environment is described briefly, and some technical details of the equipment are given. It is noted that one particular advantage of the approach is that the same methods are used for both teaching and examination. Results from curriculum evaluation are reported, which indicate that the method is academically successful and very acceptable to the students, who tend to achieve high examination marks.