Should You Donate Your Body to Dissection?
Boston University Medical students dissecting a human cadaver.
Hello! Welcome to this week’s blog, where we’ll be discussing the implications of human dissection.
Human anatomy is a widely studied field which examines the structures of the human body. However, it was not considered essential or relevant until the pre-modern era. The study of human anatomy has significantly advanced medical education and research, as dissecting cadavers provides medical students with a hands-on learning experience. Through dissection, professionals have been able to diagnose diseases, practice surgical techniques, and deepen their understanding of human physiology. Given the continuous evolution of infections and diseases, dissection remains crucial in comprehending their effects on the human body at an anatomical level, forming the foundation of medical research.
As diseases evolve, technological advancements have also emerged as alternatives to traditional dissection. Innovations such as Syndaver’s synthetic human cadavers, plastinated body parts from Von Hagen’s labs in Germany, and McGraw Hill’s Virtual Dissection labs offer modern approaches to anatomical study. However, renowned 16th-century physician Andreas Vesalius advocated for direct dissection, arguing that it is the most effective way to learn human anatomy. I resonate with this perspective—although I have never dissected a human cadaver, I have conducted dissections of a fetal pig, a sheep brain, and a perch in high school. I found that actively engaging in dissections provided a far more effective learning experience than observing an instructor or using technological substitutes.
Perch dissection. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Secondary School, January 2019.
While I acknowledge the educational and medical benefits of cadaveric dissection, I have decided not to donate my body for this purpose. Instead, I am considering organ donation, a decision that may render me ineligible for anatomical donation. When I received a letter inquiring about organ donation in 2019, I initially hesitated due to personal and religious considerations. However, I have since reconsidered and may choose to donate critical organs such as my heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, bones, and pancreas.
My perspective on organ donation was profoundly influenced by the loss of a family friend who tragically passed away during a boxing match. As an organ donor, he was able to save five lives, bringing solace to our community amid grief. Learning about his impact made me reflect on my own decision and the potential to offer life to others in times of medical emergency.
While I deeply respect those who donate their bodies for dissection, I personally feel that organ donation holds greater significance. For me, the ability to extend life to those in need outweighs the educational benefits of cadaveric dissection. This is not to diminish the importance of anatomical study, but rather a personal choice shaped by my experiences and beliefs.
Exploring the history of human anatomy has introduced me to perspectives I had not previously considered, such as body donation for dissection. While I was intrigued by the topic, I was also disturbed by historical practices like body snatching and the disrespect shown by some medical students toward cadavers. Although such incidents are rare today, I am more inclined to contribute as an organ donor, knowing that my choice could improve or even save lives.
Thanks for reading!
By Angela Cai (she/her/hers) | Blog Committee Member
The Body Donors: Season 1 Episode 1 & 2. (2015). YouTube. https://youtu.be/TK6MKAZq2v0.
Branswell, H. (2008, November 24). How to donate your body to science. thestar.com. https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2008/11/24/how_to_donate_your_body_to_science.html.
Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. (2015). 500 Years of Human Dissection. YouTube. https://youtu.be/R1HoeKDPO6Q.
Lakeridge Health. (2013). Asking Too Much?YouTube. https://youtu.be/ECF_lyxkSIE.
Woolhouse, M. (2019, November 18). An Afternoon Inside BU’s Cadaver Lab. Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/cadaver-lab/
