Dissections

Dissections are the careful cutting and separation of tissues in specimens to study their internal anatomy. They are used in biology, medicine, and related fields to reveal how organs and tissues are organized and how they relate to function. Dissections can involve whole organisms, regions of the body, or specific organ systems, and may use preserved specimens, cadavers, or living tissue in surgical training.

Historically, dissections have played a central role in anatomy since ancient times, becoming foundational in medical education during the Renaissance and beyond. Modern curricula typically blend supervised dissections with demonstrations, imaging, and digital resources, and guidelines govern ethical sourcing, welfare, and safety.

Common tools include scalpels, scissors, forceps, probes, and trays. Practice emphasizes systematic exploration, accurate documentation, and careful labeling. Dissections are performed on human cadavers in many medical schools and on preserved specimens; in veterinary and research settings, animal dissections are common, and plant dissections are used in botany.

Ethical and safety considerations shape dissection practice. Human dissections require informed consent and institutional oversight; animal dissections follow welfare standards and the 3Rs principle—replacement, reduction, refinement. Protective equipment and proper disposal of hazardous materials are essential, and many institutions supplement or replace dissections with virtual models, plastinated specimens, or advanced imaging when appropriate.