Sources of Cadaver for Anatomic Sciences in an Evolving Medical Institution

Abstract

The concept of dissecting human body revolutionized Anatomy as a sacred discipline. Evaluating sources of cadaver adds values
to care of human remains with due respect to body donors for their magnanimous and selfless act in furtherance of medical 
education and research. This study aimed at bridging communication gap in getting the rightful cadavers for anatomic education 
with specific objectives addressing the challenges involved. The department’s Cadaver Registry contained: date and source of 
cadaver, gender, race, likely age, cause of death, autopsy report, type of embalmment, mode of release, financial expenditure and 
mode of disposal. Data were subjected to simple statistical analysis while Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance was adopted for 
test of significance. Forty-one adult cadavers procured from five mortuaries were analysed with male to female ratio of 13 to 1 
while student to cadaver ratio was 5 to 1. Unclaimed body dominated cause of death with 68.3% while the rest was armedrobbery. Autopsy was earlier performed on 9.8% of cadaver before acquisition. Undisclosed payment transpired on 80.5% before 
release from provincial mortuaries. Tests of significance amongst the characteristics were statistically-significant proven the 
itemized factors to be independent. Elucidative programmes were identified in checking the strong socio-cultural heritage against 
whole body bequeaths to acquire rightful cadavers. Main sources were from unclaimed body and legally executed criminals. 
Gender and student to cadaver ratios were promising for anatomic utilization. The proposed amendment on old anatomic act in 
Nigeria should be sagely incorporated with whole body bequeath affairs.