Use
of the Cadaver Lab at Cornell College
The most important book in the history of medicine
is an anatomical treatise published in 1543, De humani corporis fabrica, based
on dissections of the human body. The illustrations in the seven volumes of
this work by Andreas Vesalius are exquisite for their beauty, complexity and
humanity. Prior to Vesalius anatomical texts were based largely on dissections
of nonhuman animals. Although cadaver dissection was not new in the time of
Vesalius, having the physician-teacher actually perform the dissection in
the theatre surrounded by students was. Even with the current tools available
to us today such as the Visible
Human Project, students still begin the study of human anatomy at the
dissecting table. Vesalius would be proud. You have the opportunity to participate
in a rich tradition and experience a privilege shared by few. Cadavers are
referred to as "human anatomical specimens", a description that
seems inadequate for such a valuable gift to your education. Working with
human material requires respect and sensitivity. The following information
and rules will help you understand your responsibilities regarding the use
of human material.
Title page De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem (1543)
A. Human Anatomical Gifts
Our cadaver was obtained from the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa.
Cadavers are donated to the University of Iowa according to state
regulations. Persons donating their body receive no financial compensation;
this is truly their ultimate gift. Hence it is imperative that proper respect
be paid to the cadaver at all times. No body parts, tissue, etc. will
be removed from the lab. Disrespect for the cadaver will not be tolerated.
You will observe professional conduct while in this lab and outside of the lab
particularly if you discuss anything related to the cadaver in a public place.
Photographs may not be taken in the lab.
The cadaver is returned to the University of Iowa at the end
of the academic year. All cadavers are cremated. The University holds a memorial
service for all of the cadavers used during the previous year where students,
faculty and staff pay their respects to the donors and their families. If you
wish to attend the service, I will make arrangements for you.
B. Care of Cadavers
The cadaver has to be kept moist at all times. The cadaver is covered with towels
moistened with embalming fluid. Only uncover the area you are studying. Occasionally
mist the area you are working on using the spray bottle containing embalming
fluid. When you are through, replace the towel and cover the entire body with
the plastic sheet.
C. Laboratory Access
The lab is locked when not in use. If you want to use the lab outside of class
times, you need to contact me. Only two people in West Science have a key to
the lab, myself and Carol Brokel. If you ask Carol to let you in, she will just
contact me.
Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the lab. DO NOT BRING
IN FRIENDS OR VISITORS! Check with me if you have questions regarding
visitors to the lab.
D. Laboratory Safety
a. Attire: Cadavers are embalmed with a fluid containing
glycerin, ethyl alcohol and phenol. Physical contact of your skin and clothing
with the cadaver should be avoided. You are required to wear disposable
gloves at all times while working in the lab. Non-latex/ powderless
gloves are available near the sink.
Wear old clothes and a long-sleeved lab coat while working with the cadaver.
Lab coats may not be worn outside of the lab. Dirty lab coats
are a health hazard and are offensive. No open-toed shoes or sandals are
allowed in the lab. Wear shoes that cover your entire foot.
Contact lenses should not be worn in the lab. Lenses can absorb chemical vapors;
if you must wear contacts, you are required to purchase and wear vapor proof
goggles.
b. Personal Items: Only your textbook and
lab manual are allowed in the lab. Leave all backpacks or other personal
items in the outer lab.
c. Food, drinks are not allowed in the lab.
d. Tissues: All tissues removed from the
cadaver must be collected and placed in the designated containers near the sink.
These containers are sent back with the cadaver for cremation. Do not
discard paper towels, gloves, etc. in these containers; use the garbage
can next to the sink. When you are through for the day, drain the excess liquid
that has accumulated on the dissection table into the bucket located under the
table. I will discard this fluid. Wipe up any fluid on the floor.
e. Dissection Instruments: Since I will be doing
most, if not all, of the dissection of the cadaver, you should not have to worry
about proper handling of the dissection instruments. If you notice instruments
on the dissection table, contact me.
f. Ventilation: The
ventilation system in the lab is designed to remove air at the level of the
cadaver and to reduce exposure to the embalming chemicals and odors. The ventilation
system remains on at all times. There is a negative air flow to keep odors from
leaving the lab. The door to the lab will be closed at all times.
Do not prop this door open. If you experience respiratory difficulties while
in the lab, leave immediately and contact me. If you notice an odor while in
the outer lab when the door to the cadaver lab is closed, contact me.