Plastination: an Attempt for Oral Specimen

Plastination is a technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts. In this process, water and lipids in biological tissues are replaced by polymers such as silicone, epoxy or polyester, which are subsequently hardened, resulting in dry, odorless and durable specimens. The two main sources of human organs are the biopsy specimens and from autopsy. Plastinated or embalmated specimens could be an excellent tool in defending cases involving medico-legal issues. This method of plastination allows students to have hands on experience in this field, without exposure to chemicals such as formalin. Many methods have been used as an attempt to decrease the cost and difficulties of the modern plastination techniques. Using polymers for plastination came into existence several years ago. The use of used plastic tea cups for the procedure resulted in resulted in dry, non-toxic, durable, inexpensive, maintenance free, colored, beautiful oral specimen for teaching purpose.