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The place of ethics in practice of anatomical sciences: have we left our dark past behind and looking towards a bright future?

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Abstract

Introduction

Anatomical sciences involve handling of human tissues and, therefore, application of principles of bioethics is central to anatomical practice. For a considerable period of time, anatomy was practiced without ethical norms as concept of ethics developed during second half of twentieth century. Hence, possible glimpse into contrast in ethical standards between anatomy in the past and present was deemed as an intriguing research theme.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken from indexed databases (Medline and Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and Google Scholar). Relevant data were extracted from 37 articles that were selected from an initial pool of 752 articles based on search criteria set for the study.

Results

Prevalent anatomical practices in the past such as dissection of executed criminals, acts of vivisection, illegal procurement of human remains, use of human tissues obtained as part of war crimes and dissection of human fetuses as well as their archival were analyzed through prism of established ethical norms in present day. The observations from past were presented vis-à-vis ethical practices undertaken in present times such as use of donated bodies and/or body parts procured through legal means for dissection, adherence to ethical norms during dissection, archival of human tissues mandating stringent regulation and dignified disposal of human remains. Existing loop holes were identified and future prospects regarding ethical standards in anatomy were highlighted based on rational judgment of existing trends.

Conclusion

The article concludes with defense on future prospects of ethics in anatomy based on documented arguments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Academic Building, 3rd Floor, Phulwarisharif, Patna, 801507, Bihar, India

    Sanjib Kumar Ghosh

  2. Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University, Kopernica 12, 31-034, Krakow, Poland

    Jerzy A. Walocha

Authors
  1. Sanjib Kumar Ghosh
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  2. Jerzy A. Walocha
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Contributions

SKG and JW designed and developed the project. SKG and JW collected and analyzed the data. SKG and JW wrote and edited the manuscript. SKG and JW approved the final submitted version.

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Correspondence to Sanjib Kumar Ghosh.

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Ghosh, S.K., Walocha, J.A. The place of ethics in practice of anatomical sciences: have we left our dark past behind and looking towards a bright future?. Surg Radiol Anat 44, 1185–1192 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-022-02994-9

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