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Plastinated Healthy Human Lungs

Specifications

Plastinated Healthy Human Lungs

Category

Health and Medicine

Classification

CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology - Biological T&E - Biospecimen

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Two (2) lung sacs of spongy, grayish pink tissue. Each cone-shaped lung has an apex at the top, rounded outer edges, flat inner edges, and a flat base. Flaps on the surface of the lungs form separate lobes, three (3) on the left lung and two (2) on the right. Lungs are both attached to a cream-colored tube, made of a harder material, about halfway down the inner side. The branches of this tube run from a middle, upright tube into either lung.

Measurements: Object:
    Length: 9.5 in, Width: 10.5 in, Depth: 7 in

Credit

Museum Purchase, 2007.3.3

Display Status

On Exhibit

Plastinated Healthy Human Lungs

About: Plastinated Healthy Human Lungs

About: Plastinated Healthy Human Lungs

This set of human lungs, bronchial tubes, and trachea came from the Institute for Plastination. Tiny blood vessels inside the lungs are the site of gas exchange. The oxygen from the outside air is swapped with carbon dioxide generated from processes inside the body. This real human specimen was preserved through the process of plastination, invented by Dr. Gunther Von Hagens and patented between 1977 and 1982. Von Hagens' goal was to preserve specimens for medical study.


Plastination is a multi-step process that can take up to a year to complete. All bodily fluids and soluble fats are removed from the specimens and then replaced by resins and elastomers, natural or synthetic polymer having elastic properties. Once the specimen has absorbed these substances, it can be cured with a gas, light or heat to harden and preserve it. The plastination took place at the Institute for Plastination in Germany.

Additional information

Copyright information

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