10.30.2007

BodyWorlds/Bodies...The Exhibition




I'm sure some of you have been to or heard of these exhibitions-Body Worlds (in various numbers-1,2, etc) and Bodies...The Exhibition.

Back in May, I was able to go to Bodies...Exhibition in Washington, DC. I found it fascinating!


Described on their site as:
To help you see what a body really looks like on the inside, this Exhibition uses real human bodies that have been preserved so they do not decay.A human specimen is first preserved according to standard mortuary science. The specimen is then dissected to show whatever it is that someone wants to display. Once dissected, the specimen is immersed in acetone, which eliminates all body water. The specimen is then placed in a large bath of silicone, or polymer, and sealed in a vacuum chamber. Under vacuum, acetone leaves the body in the form of gas and the polymer replaces it, entering each cell and body tissue. A catalyst is then applied to the specimen, hardening it and completing the process. This method of preservation creates a specimen that will not decay. This offers thousands of unique teaching possibilities for educators at all levels, including medical professionals, archeologists and other scientists.


There had so many different real human organs that were preserved on display. It really gave me a sense (even more) of what had gone on in my body with all the cancer and endless medical occurrences I have encountered ever since. The one I went to even had TWO examples of sarcomas. One-a bone with a tumor still attached and another, a upper arm bone that had been warped by cancer and then mended back together with screws.

Some of it-like the arteries of the body that glowed in a glass display case-looked like a true, original art exhibit! It was amazing!

I was so glad I had gotten a chance to go and really recommend it to people. Some say they are worried about feeling sick at what they are seeing but once I was in there and I remembered how beautiful, amazing and complex the human body is, I was even more intrigued. The people's bodies that are shown donated their bodies specifically for this cause so that is something else that is neat-they are giving themselves after dying so others can learn!

I'm hoping to go to another one some day...

Today, I am grateful for: modern medicine, love, family and friends.


Love,

Rachel

3 comments:

Sherry said...

Modern science and modern medicine are incredible...and when you see the body as you have done it is truly a work of art!

Ria said...

I can't wait to go:)

Rachel's sister said...

I can't wait to see the exhibit here in St. Louis! I've been wanting to see it ever since you told me about the one in DC. :) Hugs!