A unique experience in human anatomy

Students have enhanced their understandings about the human body through firsthand observations of cadavers in elective anatomy sessions at Charles Darwin University.

About 40 students from external and internal undergraduate CDU courses, including nursing, midwifery, medical laboratory science, pharmacy, exercise and sport science, attended the recent anatomy sessions at Casuarina campus.

These cadavers were used for practical demonstrations about the human body and were prepared in advance by a specialist.

Students could observe and feel with their hands organs of the muscular, digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

They were made aware of the ethical aspects of donating human bodies for teaching and research, and the respectful handling of such human bodies. 

CDU Anatomy and Physiology coordinator, Dr Henrik Pallos said students were given a unique opportunity to study anatomy through direct observation on cadavers. 

“By observing a cadaver, students start to appreciate the human body more and gain a better understanding of human dimensions,” he said.

“The main aims of these sessions are to understand the human body and to recognise similarities and differences between us.”

Run in collaboration with the Department of Anatomy at Flinders University, the sessions were part of anatomy and physiology learning enrichment programs offered to assist students at CDU.