RESUMO
Introduction:Plastination has been one of the most effective preservative methods for organic tissue during the last four decades. In this technique, water and lipid content present within biological tissue samples are substituted by polymers (silicone, epoxy, pol yester), resulting in dry, durable, and odourless specimens. Plastinated specimens are now used as teaching tools and various medical disciplines, such as anatomy, pathology, radiology, surgery, and so on across the world. Since its development by Gunther von Hagens in 1977, plastination is getting increasing acceptance by the day and proving itself to be an excellent resource material for both teaching and learning. This review highlights the origin, procedure, types, significance, and drawbacks of plastination along with its ethical aspects.
RESUMO
Preparation of anatomical models and teaching aids is a challenging task in the medical, veterinary and paramedical sciences as like as life form. The successful preservation of conventional methods by embalmed cadavers/ corpse’s are routinely practiced for educational/research purposes. The existing form of preservation technique is not promising to meet the current challenges in the teaching and learning of human/veterinary anatomy. The embalming fluid causes potential health hazards with continuous exposure of formalin fumes. The study was conducted on dissected cadaverous embalmed specimens by using advanced plastination technique. The 10% formalin fixed and preserved specimens of buffalo head and horse limb were subjected to dehydration, impregnation and hardening with clearing, dehydrating and curing agents. Plastination methodology consists of slowly replacing tissue fluids, lipids with a dehydrating agent and replaced with polymer under force impregnation. In these processes, water and lipids in biological tissues are replaced by curable polymers. The yielded specimens are pleasant to handle, non toxic, pliable, dried and don’t smell or decay. These plastinates are well utilized in routine practical demonstrations of gross anatomical observations in institutional teaching as well as learning. The plastinated specimens are today’s milestone in medical education and become an ideal teaching tool not only in anatomy but also in pathology, obstetrics, radiology and surgery. Hence, any methodology or technique that would decrease the level of exposure to formaldehyde should be explored. Plastinates offer this excellent alternative as it lowers the risk of undue exposure to formaldehyde with higher health and safety regulations in our country.
RESUMO
Background: A research study was conducted in sixteen anatomy museums across India. Aim: The aim of the study is to have an integrated approach while designing a museum. Objective: The objective is to stress on the need to have a holistic approach while designing a museum so that that the museum is well planned and organised and has a huge sectional diversity that spans all aspects related to anatomy. Materials and Methods: All the museums were studied using a planned proforma that emphasised on special features of the museum with special emphasis on sectional variety. Observations: The various techniques of specimen preparation, preservation, mounting and display were observed and photographed. The sectional variety was noted. Moreover the various methods of maintaining specimen related information in pictorial and computerised catalogues was observed. Results and Conclusion: A design of a contemporary anatomymuseumcan nowbe conceived that incorporates all aspects of anatomy from history, evolution, embryology, cross-sectional anatomy, comparative anatomy, teratology, genetics and clinical anatomy to sections with modern techniques like plastination. Such amuseum will certainly have a more holistic approach to anatomy and will be more educative and scientific.