AN82.1 | Ethics in Anatomy — Glossary

Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994 (India); governs voluntary body donation, prohibits commercial trade in human bodies, requires donor declaration or next-of-kin consent

State-specific legislation (e.g., Tamil Nadu Anatomy Act 1982) permitting medical colleges to receive unclaimed bodies for teaching after a statutory waiting period

Voluntary whole-body donation by a person during their lifetime through a registered declaration; the body is used for anatomical teaching after death

A body not claimed by next of kin within a specified period (48-72 hours in most Indian states); may be transferred to medical colleges under the State Anatomy Act

A dead human body preserved by embalming for anatomical dissection and teaching; also called the student's 'first patient'

The process of preserving a cadaver using formalin (formaldehyde solution) to prevent decomposition; involves arterial injection and cavity treatment

A 37% aqueous solution of formaldehyde used for tissue preservation; classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC; requires adequate ventilation and PPE

A chemical preservative (HCHO) used in embalming; exposure limit 0.5 ppm (8-hour TWA); causes mucous membrane irritation, dermatitis, and is carcinogenic with chronic exposure

Any waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, or research involving biological materials; segregated by colour-coded bags (yellow, red, blue) and sharps containers

The ethical principle of respecting an individual's right to self-determination; in anatomy, honouring the donor's choice to donate their body

The ethical principle of acting in the best interest of others; in anatomy, learning purposefully to benefit future patients

The ethical principle of 'do no harm'; in anatomy, protecting donor identity and dignity, and preventing harm to students and staff

The ethical principle of fairness; in anatomy, acknowledging that unclaimed bodies often come from vulnerable populations and treating them with equal respect

Agreement based on full understanding of the procedure, risks, and implications; in body donation, the donor's pre-mortem consent must be documented and honoured

The educational philosophy that the cadaver is the medical student's first patient; how the student treats the cadaver shapes their clinical habits of respect and diligence

A term used internationally for body donors, acknowledging their role as teachers who continue to educate after death

The dedicated laboratory in the anatomy department where cadaver dissection takes place; subject to strict conduct rules and SOPs

Personal protective equipment; in anatomy: dedicated lab coat, nitrile/latex gloves, protective goggles; mandatory for all cadaver handling

A puncture-resistant container for disposal of scalpel blades, needles, and broken glass; prevents needlestick injuries and infection transmission

National Medical Commission regulations governing medical education in India; inappropriate behaviour in the anatomy lab (photography, social media, disrespect) is a disciplinary offence

The Jain concept of charitable giving; body donation is viewed as an act of danasheela in many Jain communities, contributing to higher donation rates