Abstract
Formalin-embalmed cadavers have been extensively used to teach anatomy. Although they ensure the preservation of anatomical structures without microbial contamination, they are considerably rigid and cannot be used to study the joint and muscle movements. Moreover, formalin irritates the eyes and airways and is carcinogenic on chronic exposure. To overcome the disadvantages of formalin-fixed cadavers, we investigated the usefulness of alternative embalming methods using saturated salt solution (SS) and Thiel’s solution (TS). We compared the three solutions based on the following parameters: cost of the embalming solution; preservation of anatomical structure, color, flexibility, and texture; and microbial contamination. Convenience of anatomical structure identification and preferences in anatomical laboratory practice were evaluated using questionnaires answered by veterinary undergraduate students. Cost of the embalming solution was the lowest for formalin solution (FS) and most expensive for TS. All cadavers were successfully preserved without significant putrefaction and were useful for teaching veterinary anatomy. Cadavers embalmed with SS or TS were superior in facilitating joint and muscle movement. Compared to FS, the color and texture of muscles and internal organs were similar to those of living animals and there was no irritating and offensive smell in SS and TS cadavers. Students preferred the SS and TS cadavers for their usefulness in identification of anatomical structures, highlighting their usefulness in veterinary anatomy education.
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Acknowledgements
This research was supported by a Basic Science Research Program from the National Research Foundation of Korea, which is funded by the Ministry of Education (2018R1D1A2B07046105).
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All authors conceived the study. SMN, JSM, and SSN prepared the solution, animal caring and embalming, macroscopic analysis, microscopic analysis, microbial analysis, and student questionnaire. SMN and SSN analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript. HYY and BJC participated in the design of the study and subsequent discussion. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
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Nam, S.M., Moon, JS., Yoon, HY. et al. Comparative evaluation of canine cadaver embalming methods for veterinary anatomy education. Anat Sci Int 95, 498–507 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-020-00547-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-020-00547-x