Preparation of dry bones and joints from preserved cadaver.

Bones collected from cadavers preserved with formalin are usually greasy, odorous and dark in color. Thinner (solvent for oil paint) and hydrogen peroxide were found to be valuable in improving these unwanted features without destroying soft tissue around. Some dry bones and joints have been prepared by these agents for teaching gross anatomy.

Incomplete posterior arch of the Atlas.

Incomplete posterior arch of the atlas was found in a 77 years old Thai cadaver. The length of right posterior arch decreases and the left posterior arch is diminished to be a small process. The intervening space is occupied by a fibrous connective tissue band. The left superior articular facet and the left occipital condyle decrease in size. There are no defects of the spinal cord and its meninges. No abnormal neurological symptom and abnormal movement of the head and neck.