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Plastinated Healthy Human Liver

Specifications

Plastinated Healthy Human Liver

Category

Health and Medicine

Classification

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

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Two (2) sphere-like sections connected by a thin tissue-like membrane running vertically across the middle of the object. Membrane continues across the top and back of the object. Pale pink in color and roughly the size of a football. There are two (2) small holes on the top.

Measurements: Object:
    Length: 8.75 in, Width: 6.75 in, Depth: 4.5 in

Credit

Museum Purchase, 2007.3.7

Display Status

On Exhibit

Plastinated Healthy Human Liver

About: Plastinated Healthy Human Liver

About: Plastinated Healthy Human Liver

This human liver was the site of carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. It is the second largest organ in the human body, behind the skin. 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 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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