Plastination

Plastination is a technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts. The water and fat are replaced by certain plastics, yielding specimens that can be touched, do not smell or decay, and even retain most properties of the original sample.

History

The technique was invented by Gunther von Hagens when he was working at the University of Heidelberg. He patented the technique in the name of the university and founded the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg in 1993. The first exhibition of plastinated bodies (Body Worlds) was displayed in Japan in 1995.

Process

The process of plastination includes four basic steps: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation in a vacuum, and hardening. Fixation is usually achieved by immersing the specimen into formalin or a similar solution. The specimen is then placed in a bath of acetone. After the water in the specimen has been replaced by acetone, the specimen is placed in a bath of a liquid polymer, such as silicone rubber, polyester or epoxy resin. The vacuum then ensures the thorough replacement of acetone by the polymer. In the final step, the specimen is hardened, often using gas, heat, or ultraviolet light.

Applications

Plastination has been used for instruction in anatomy, and its use in pathology has been a subject of research. Other applications are in plant anatomy, veterinary anatomy, and anthropology. Plastinated specimens, both whole bodies and thin body slices, have been used in many anatomical exhibitions, such as Body Worlds and Bodies... The Exhibition. They have the advantage of retaining most of the properties of the original sample, being durable, and not requiring any special care for storage.

Controversies

There have been controversies about the practice of plastination, especially the public display of plastinated bodies. Some people regard these displays as disrespectful to the deceased, while others see educational value in them.

See also

• Embalming
• Taxidermy
• Mummification

External links

• Body Worlds - The original exhibition of plastinated bodies

Plastination Resources
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