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Plastinated Human Brain

Specifications

Plastinated Human Brain

Category

Health and Medicine

Classification

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

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: A pale yellow human brain, just larger than a grapefruit. Maze-like folds created by loops of brain matter around the outward facing side.

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 4 in, Width: 4.75 in, Depth: 6 in

Credit

Museum Purchase, 2007.3.1a

Display Status

On Exhibit

Plastinated Human Brain

About: Plastinated Human Brain

About: Plastinated Human Brain

The human brain is the control center for the human body. This organ controls virtually every process, from memory to breathing or emotion. 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 polymers 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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