THE RESEARCH VALUE OF CADAVER DISSECTION

Abstract

The research project aspect of cadaver dissection has been relatively undermined because the
debate surrounding use of cadavers has focused almost exclusively on the pedagogic role of
cadaver dissection in medical education (Guttmann et al., 2004). Historically, the first use of
Human cadavers for anatomical research occurred in the 4th century BC when Herophilus and
Erasitratus gained permission to perform human dissection on executed criminals in Alexandria.
In 1543, Andreas Vesalius, the father of modern Anatomy, published a series of detailed images
of dissected corpses. Subsequently, in most parts of the world, human dissection was
prohibited. In England, for example, however, the murderers act of 1752 allowed for the bodies
of executed murders to be dissected for Anatomical Research and Education. Today, many acts
permit use of cadavers for Medical Education and Research. Indeed, Research in Gross Anatomy
is mainly based on cadaver dissection (Rokade and Bahetee, 2013).