Undergraduate student‐led cadaveric dissection: an interdisciplinary approach to connecting pathological findings to health conditions

Abstract

A cadaveric anatomical dissection was completed by five Westminster College undergraduate students with the objective to analyze anatomical abnormalities in order to compile a complete report of pathological findings. Abnormalities were identified through observation, histological preparation, and examination of aberrant tissues that may indicate possible health conditions at time of death. Preliminary pathological findings include enlargement of the thyroid gland (length=6.8 cm, width=4.6 cm), abnormal growth on the exterior surface of the superior vena cava (length=3.1 cm, width=1.6 cm), bronchopulmonary lymph nodes with anthracotic pigmentation, a papillary process present on the liver, numerous dense polyps on the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum, and uterine irregularities. Further histological analysis of the listed abnormalities was performed to identify the severity of disease(s) at the time of death. In addition to dissection, students documented personal experiences through journaling and participated in educational seminars to enhance their understanding and appreciation for human anatomy.Grant Funding Source: Westminster College