open access

Vol 82, No 3 (2023)
Review article
Submitted: 2022-03-30
Accepted: 2022-05-24
Published online: 2022-06-10
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Thiel embalming method used for anatomy dissection as an educational tool in teaching human anatomy, in research, and in training in comparison of different methods for long term preservation

M. Rakuša1, L. Kocbek Šaherl1
·
Pubmed: 35692115
·
Folia Morphol 2023;82(3):449-456.
Affiliations
  1. University of Maribor, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Maribor, Slovenia

open access

Vol 82, No 3 (2023)
REVIEW ARTICLES
Submitted: 2022-03-30
Accepted: 2022-05-24
Published online: 2022-06-10

Abstract

The use of human cadavers is beneficial in teaching gross human anatomy, training,
and development in medicine. Fresh-frozen cadavers initially exhibit natural colour,
tenderness, and flexibility. They also present innumerable difficulties, including the
requirement of freezers for storage and a few weeks’ work time because of fast
decay. The risk of infection is also significant. A possible choice for fresh-frozen
cadavers is embalmed cadavers. The requested characteristic needed for successful
embalming is acceptable long-term structural preservation of organs and tissues
with minimal deformity and prevention of outward aspects. Scientists are trying to
develop an ideal embalming solution to preserve the human body. Such a solution
renders the flexibility of internal organs, preventing dryness, and reducing fungal
or bacterial growth. Cadavers should be in a condition comparable to that of an
unembalmed cadaver, and the chemicals used in the solution should not be harmful
to persons during manipulation. The promising results have been obtained by the
use of different embalming techniques by many faculties of medicine as a tool to
enhance the teaching of anatomy to students.

Abstract

The use of human cadavers is beneficial in teaching gross human anatomy, training,
and development in medicine. Fresh-frozen cadavers initially exhibit natural colour,
tenderness, and flexibility. They also present innumerable difficulties, including the
requirement of freezers for storage and a few weeks’ work time because of fast
decay. The risk of infection is also significant. A possible choice for fresh-frozen
cadavers is embalmed cadavers. The requested characteristic needed for successful
embalming is acceptable long-term structural preservation of organs and tissues
with minimal deformity and prevention of outward aspects. Scientists are trying to
develop an ideal embalming solution to preserve the human body. Such a solution
renders the flexibility of internal organs, preventing dryness, and reducing fungal
or bacterial growth. Cadavers should be in a condition comparable to that of an
unembalmed cadaver, and the chemicals used in the solution should not be harmful
to persons during manipulation. The promising results have been obtained by the
use of different embalming techniques by many faculties of medicine as a tool to
enhance the teaching of anatomy to students.

Get Citation

Keywords

anatomy, embalming method, cadaver dissection, education

About this article
Title

Thiel embalming method used for anatomy dissection as an educational tool in teaching human anatomy, in research, and in training in comparison of different methods for long term preservation

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 82, No 3 (2023)

Article type

Review article

Pages

449-456

Published online

2022-06-10

Page views

1362

Article views/downloads

1843

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2022.0055

Pubmed

35692115

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2023;82(3):449-456.

Keywords

anatomy
embalming method
cadaver dissection
education

Authors

M. Rakuša
L. Kocbek Šaherl

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