BODY WORLDS 3 and The Story of The Heart

Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart presents the form, function, complexity and beauty of the human body. Featuring a unique collection of more than 200 authentic human specimens including whole-body plastinates, organs and translucent body slices, this exhibit offers visitors profound insights into the human body, health and disease, and the intricate world of the cardiovascular system.

 

Plastination-von Hagens' groundbreaking method of halting decomposition and preserving the body after death for medical study was invented in 1977.

"All anatomical specimens on display in the BODY WORLDS exhibitions are authentic. They belonged to people who declared during their lifetime that their bodies should be made available after their deaths for the qualification of physicians and the instruction of laypersons. Many donors underscore that by donating their body, they want to be useful to others even after their death. Their selfless donations allow us to gain unique insights into human bodies, which have thus far been reserved for physicians at best. Therefore, we wish to thank the living and deceased body donors."

 

For more information on Plastination, please refer to http://www.koerperspende.de/en.html

"The presentation of the pure physical reminds visitors to BODY WORLDS of the intangible and the unfathomable. The plastinated post-mortal body illuminates the soul by its very absence. Plastination transforms the body, an object of individual mourning, into an object of reverence, learning, enlightenment, and appreciation. I hope for BODY WORLDS to be a place of enlightenment and contemplation, even of philosophical and religious self-recognition, and open to interpretation regardless of the background and philosophy of life of the viewer."

-Dr. Gunther von Hagens, Anatomist, Creator of BODY WORLDS

Please read the Blog. http://mositampa.blogspot.com/

 

I realize that this exhibition is a very controversial issue with some churches and religious groups. However, being a nurse and having been in the medical field for over 35 years, I will say that BODY WORLDS 3 is one of the most educational and thought provoking exhibits that I have ever seen. When we truly examine the human body, as you can in these exhibits, we can see how the actions that we perform every day can either help or harm us. We are delicate and intricate works of nature. We need to start treating our bodies with tender, loving care.

 

WARNING   I have included some pictures that I snagged at Body Worlds. Please be aware that the faint of heart or squeamish may find these uncomfortable or distasteful. Proceed at your own risk.  I personally think they are MAGNIFICENT!!!

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Yep, there was even a camel!

The next two pics are of the gift shop. My daughter and I went home with anatomically corret Human Heart key chains.