Perception of students towards cadaveric dissection in a tertiary care teaching institution

Background: Anatomy is widely acknowledged as being among the most significant element of medical education and the study of anatomy through the dissected cadaver is observed as the essential feature of medical courses. Anatomy teaching has certainly the longest history of any component of formalised medical education. While the history of dissection has been well studied, less attention has been paid to the use of the living body involved in anatomy teaching. Dissection has thus been imbibed into medical education such that it has become almost indispensable part of medical courses.Methods: A total of hundred newly admitted first year medical students’ reaction to the first day entry into the dissection hall and towards cadaveric dissection was assessed by using a set of questions. The questionnaire was given to the students just a few weeks after they began attending their dissection class.Results: Most of the students reported of bad odor of the cadaver (84%) and watering of eyes (79%) on their first day entry into the dissection hall. 94% of the students were determined, interested, and ready to study anatomy with cadaveric dissection. Majority of the students considered dissection as the best tool to study anatomy.100% of the students have showed a sense of gratitude to the people and/or the relatives who had donated their bodies.Conclusions: Cadaveric dissection is an indispensable teaching tool to study gross anatomy, and undergraduate curriculum should incorporate dissection as majority of the students are interested and determined to study anatomy with cadaveric dissection.