Entire Collection
Plastinated Arterial Configuaton of Internal Organs
Specifications
Plastinated Arterial Configuaton of Internal Organs
Category
Health and Medicine
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology - Biological T&E - Biospecimen
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Red and dark blue vessels of varying diameters. Vessels intertwine throughout. The top and bottom larger vessels look similar to coral. Tiny, bright red vessels are concentrated in spherical shapes in two (2) spots in the middle and two (2) spots opposite each other in the back. There is a muted red ball in the middle of the structure, in between two (2)vessels, towards the bottom. The structure is about three (3) feet high.
Measurements: Object:
Height: 32 in, Width: 20 in, Depth: 16 in
Credit
Museum Purchase, 2007.3.10
Display Status
On Exhibit
Plastinated Arterial Configuaton of Internal Organs
About: Plastinated Arterial Configuaton of Internal Organs
About: Plastinated Arterial Configuaton of Internal Organs
This human arterial system connects the inner organs of the human body from the upper chest to the upper thighs. Veins and arteries are used to transport blood throughout the body. Vessels are concentrated in the heart, liver, and kidneys because those organs are involved in the circulation and cleaning of the blood. 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
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