Student Bioethics Wing Paper Cadavers are Indispensable Teachers: The Cadaveric Oath and Human Dignity

Abstract

The word "Cadaver" is derived from the old Latin phrase "cadere" which means 'to fall'. In legal context, it means a corpse. In medical context, cadavers are referred to as the bodies of deceased human beings used for purposes of learning anatomy and surgery, or for research. Cadaveric dissection plays a vital role in the Anatomy curricula in various parts of the world. Dissection helps in understanding the spatial relationships, textures, consistencies and anomalies in various body organs and structures, and helps in providing a clear picture of human anatomy. It is of particular significance for surgical trainees who may practice complex procedures on the cadaver before operating on a patient. Cadavers have thus remained important for learning anatomy and surgery.