Safe use of human anatomical preparations in frontal and interactive teaching

In the institute of Human Anatomy of Pavia, the use of cadaver dissection is not economically feasible. In order to improve students’ preparation related to topogra-phy of the central nervous system, we decided to use formalin-fixed brains and cra-nial sections belonging to the collection of cadaveric specimens. These specimens, preserved in formalin, however cannot be manipulated as such by the students be-cause formalin can cause headaches, burning sensation in the throat, difficult breathing and can trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms [1, 2]. Furthermore, for-malin is known to be a human carcinogen [3]. In order to minimize toxic effects, whole brains were extensively washed in running water and then sliced according to different reference planes using a "home-made" device enabling cuts according to parallel planes. Finally, the resulting sections were inserted into transparent plastic envelopes, immerged in a solution composed by 0.5% agar and 1% sodium azide as preservative. Medical students can now use these human brain sections to test their own ability to recognize nervous system structures. This strategy optimize speci-men’s choice and focalize student’s attention on peculiar, selected human samples in full compliance with current security laws.