Curriculum > Medicine 1 > Anatomy
Gross Anatomy & Embryology is offered during the first 10 weeks of the first year and is a series of lectures, laboratory dissections, and clinical correlations that presents the fundamentals of human anatomy and embryology within a clinical context. Clinical context is provided by a number of activities. (1) The short textbook Lachman's Case Studies in Anatomy is used throughout the course to demonstrate the application of anatomical knowledge to clinical problem solving. (2) "Blue Boxes" in the core textbook (Essential Clinical Anatomy) emphasize the relationship between anatomy and clinical practice. (3) "Clinical Correlations" are scheduled sessions in the lecture hall with clinicians who illustrate how anatomy is used in their everyday practice. (4) Reference is made throughout the course to medical imaging (conventional radiology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography).
Just as the practice of medicine is centered on the patient, the learning of anatomy is focused on the cadaver. Dissection remains the best way to learn and understand the spatial relationships between body structures. In addition, dissection provides students a unique opportunity to consider and discuss issues of professionalism, team-building, and humanism as they encounter their "first patient." Additional information about required textbooks and instruments, and special instructions for the dissection laboratory can be found below.
For students entering the Integrated Pathway (IP), the three exams in anatomy/embryology will comprise three of the 12 total division exams in the first year, and will count towards the requirements of the IP. For students entering the Independent Study Program, an average of 70% on the three anatomy/embryology exams is required to enter the program.
— Robert M. DePhilip, PhD
The Division of Anatomy will provide each table of six students with a set of the following instruments:
Two (2) probes, 6", made of rigid steel and with a bent, blunt tip. Note: The probes consisting of a needle attached to a wooden dowel or plastic handle are dangerous. Do NOT bring them into the lab.
Two (2) pairs of forceps - each 6-7" in length with ridges on the handles to prevent slipping. The tips should be rounded, not pointed, and the gripping surface should be ridged. In addition, forceps with interlocking tips ("rat-toothed") are useful for retracting skin and fascia.
Two (2) pairs of scissors - each at least 6-7" in length. Tips can both be blunt, one tip sharp and the other blunt, or both sharp. Do NOT use the small, sharp-tipped scissors found often in undergraduate dissection kits.
Two (2) metal knife handles (size #4). Do NOT use plastic, disposable knife handles.
One (1) or two (2) hemostats, 5-7", straight or curved are useful for attaching and removing blades from knife handles. Hemostats are also very useful for retracting skin flaps during removal of skin.
Disposable gloves and disposable blades can be purchased at local bookstores. Purchase only size #22 disposable blades. Begin with at least two dozen blades.
Dissection of a cadaver is a unique privilege. The cadaver is the gift of an individual who donated his or her body to enhance your education. All cadavers must be treated with respect at all times. A Memorial Service in the spring, organized by your class with the advice of the second year students, provides a formal opportunity for you to express your gratitude for the donor's gift.
Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should discuss the potential risk of working in the dissection lab with their obstetrician.
You should purchase two sets of scrubs for working in the dissection lab. Scrubs can be purchased new or at second hand stores or at thrift stores. Disposable gloves should be purchased and worn. Students with sensitivity to latex may want to purchase gloves made of nitrile. Safety glasses for eye protection are recommended. Eating, drinking, and photography are not permitted in the dissection laboratories, nor are guests permitted.
It is the responsibility of the students assigned to each dissection table to care for the cadaver. Uncover only those parts of the body that you are dissecting. Moisten the body as needed with "wetting solution", NOT water. The wetting solution is in a spray bottle at each table. Spray bottles can be refilled from large containers of solution located by the sinks in each lab.
Place all tissue (skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia) removed from the cadaver in the green or blue plastic tissue containers. Cadaver tags written in RED indicate that the family has asked that the ashes after cremation be saved and returned to the family. Cadaver tags written in BLACK indicate that the Department will be responsible for burying the ashes. All tissue removed during dissection must be placed in the tissue container marked with the number that corresponds to the cadaver.
Place all used disposable blades in the red plastic receptacles for this purpose that can be found in each lab.
Place all paper and disposable gloves in metal trash containers. Do NOT place paper in the tissue containers.
The dissection laboratory must be kept clean to provide a safe work area. Paper towels, spilled liquids, and tissue that are dropped on the floor can be very slippery and must be picked up immediately. Your dissection table and the area around it are your responsibility.
Changing blades. Please ask one of the instructors or teaching assistants to show you how to change a blade. Scalpel blades are very sharp and can produce deep lacerations. First aid kits are available in each lab if you do cut yourself. You will find that after the skin of the cadaver is cut and reflected, the majority of your work will involve separation of tissue by blunt, not sharp, dissection.
Updated July 14, 2008