Watch CBS News

College Installs Virtual Cadaver For Biology Classes

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - A Detroit-area college will use a virtual cadaver to teach students how to perform human dissections.

The biology department at Henry Ford College in Dearborn will use an Anatomage Table as part of its curriculum for the winter 2018 semester.

The school says the software for the virtual dissection system delivers a high level of image detail not present in plastic anatomical models and sometimes even actual cadavers, since organs and tissues can become too degraded for dissection.

The life-sized virtual cadaver can be switched from male to female. Users can zoom in on areas of interest and use their finger to slice through any combination of muscle and bone.

Biology faculty chair Carla Serfas says actual cadavers pose challenges that include regulations, recurring costs and ethical issues for students.

© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.