The study of the human body is important for many professions, from doctors and surgeons, through to physiotherapists, podiatrists and nurses. While textbooks can help with anatomical knowledge, nothing compares to the real thing.
And this is where La Trobe’s anatomy facilities come in.
Dr Laura Whitburn, Acting Discipline Lead in Anatomy, says the facilities allow students to gain an authentic and hands-on understanding of the human body.
“Our facilities comprise an anatomy resource room and anatomy laboratories. Students studying anatomy subjects can access a broad collection of anatomical resources ranging from prosected cadaveric specimens, skeletons, models, medical images and plastinated sections,” she says.
Admission into the anatomy facilities at La Trobe comes with an induction process and strict protocols.
“All staff and students entering and using these laboratories must complete an induction and abide by the Anatomy Laboratory Code of Conduct,” explains Dr Whitburn.
Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) student Roberto Iaconis says the facilities have been instrumental in his understanding of human anatomy.
“Being able to physically interact with specimens at your own pace is something a textbook, no matter how excellent it may be, cannot give you. You get to appreciate real anatomical variations and you get better at noticing intricacies and patterns within the body.”
“For example, if you want to see how a joint moves, there's no better way than getting the joint and moving it yourself. If you want to feel different tissues to appreciate their properties and functions, you can. I'm very grateful we have such a great facility.”
The anatomy facilities also include cadavers and cadaveric specimens, which are managed by Dr Richard Fernandez, Lecturer in Topographic Anatomy.
“We’re very privileged at La Trobe to be able to offer our students cadaveric specimens for learning and we treat them with the care, respect and dignity they deserve. By using cadavers, students not only learn about the intricacies and complexity of the body, they also learn about variations in human anatomy.”
“Most importantly, students develop a sense of empathy, which is essential for all anatomical researchers and clinical practitioners,” Dr Fernandez says.
Roberto says that while dealing with cadavers was a little daunting at first, he developed a deep sense of respect for the donors.
“You can't neglect that these were actual humans, who once lived, breathed, had families, laughed and cried like myself. They're not objects. You need to be cognisant and respectful to this fact.”
“You begin to realise it's a privilege more than anything, and you become more adapted to handle these specimens with confidence. Eventually, you get used to it, you accept it, and appreciate it for what it is.”
Cadavers come to La Trobe through The University of Melbourne’s body donor program, which supports the education and training of future healthcare professionals. On completion of studies, the bodies are returned to The University of Melbourne where they are cremated and returned to relatives for commemorative purposes.
Dr Fernandez says students often come away from anatomy studies with great respect for the human body and its complexity.
“By gaining a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, our students graduate better equipped to work in their chosen medical or health field.”
This is something that Roberto wholeheartedly agrees with.
“The holistic and philosophical side of anatomy was also made more apparent to me through the use of these facilities. I'm not sure that there's any other lab that provides that deeply unique side of academia.”
