Plastination
Plastination
Plastination (pronunciation: /plæstɪˈneɪʃən/) 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.
Etymology
The term "plastination" is derived from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning "fit for molding", and the Latin word "natio", meaning "birth". It was first coined by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977 when he invented the plastination technique.
Process
The process of plastination involves four key steps: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation in a vacuum, and hardening. Fixation is usually achieved through the use of formaldehyde to halt decay. Dehydration involves the removal of water and is usually achieved through the use of acetone. Forced impregnation involves replacing the water and fat that were previously removed with a polymer, such as silicone rubber, epoxy resin, or polyester. Hardening is the final step, where the specimen is cured, often using gas, heat, or ultraviolet light.
Applications
Plastination has a wide range of applications in the medical field. It is commonly used in medical schools for teaching anatomy, in research for studying the structure and function of the body, and in forensic pathology for post-mortem examinations. It is also used in the creation of anatomical exhibits, such as those seen in the Body Worlds exhibitions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plastination
- Wikipedia's article - Plastination
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