Anatomy facilities

The University of Manchester has exceptional, modern facilities that provide an ideal learning environment for the study of anatomy.

A dedicated team of anatomists, supported by GMC registered doctors, deliver a high standard of teaching. An integrated approach to teaching and learning is facilitated by:

  • dissection;
  • prosections;
  • skeletal material;
  • anatomical models;
  • eLearning;
  • histological resources;
  • imaging techniques.

The laboratory consists of a large dissecting room and dedicated anatomy classrooms. 

Cadavers held in the anatomy dissecting room are the embalmed bodies of public-spirited individuals who have left their remains to the University for medical and scientific teaching and research. Access to the dissecting room is regulated under the Human Tissue Act 2004.

Only students who take anatomy as a taught component of their course are granted access to the anatomy laboratory. Students must first attend an introductory talk and sign a strict code of conduct.

Dissection and use of anatomical materials

The dissecting room is a large, spacious facility where groups of students may work to explore human anatomy.

Usually, around 40 cadavers are obtained annually to teach our students topographical anatomy. There is a range of previously prosected specimens, skeletons and skeletal material available for students to study from.

These resources are complemented by a vast range of anatomical models and posters. Our efficient dissecting room technicians prepare the room in a different way depending on the type of class that is being taught.

At Manchester, dissection is still carried out to give students a thorough grounding in anatomy and the anatomical relations of organs. There are many advantages of dissection. It allows a real appreciation of the relationship and sizes of body structures, and develops an awareness of anatomical variation.

Users of the dissecting room are required to wear PPE.

Virtual resource areas

Online resource areas are available to medical students to aid their understanding of the topics being studied each week. Students are encouraged to use this resource in their own time.

eLearning resources

A blended approach to learning is adopted here so we provide access to a number of high quality eLearning resources for students.

Anatomy tutorial rooms

The facility includes dedicated classrooms for the teaching of anatomy. These rooms are well-equipped and contain computing facilities, an LCD projector, and whiteboards to aid teaching.

Each room also contains a range of anatomical textbooks.