For decades, formalin-preserved cadavers have been the foundation of anatomy teaching. They have enabled generations of students to understand human structure in a hands-on way. However, as medical education evolves toward clinical integration and simulation-based learning, the limitations of traditional preservation are becoming increasingly apparent.
Formalin works by fixing tissues through protein cross-linking, effectively halting decomposition.
Reliable long-term preservation
Strong antimicrobial properties
Cost-effective and widely accessible
Ease of preparation and standardization
Causes tissue stiffness and reduced joint mobility, limiting practical application
Alters natural color and texture
Exposure to formaldehyde fumes poses health risks, as recognized by the World Health Organization
Strong, unpleasant odor affecting lab environment
Formalin effectively preserves structural integrity but significantly compromises functional properties of tissues.1,2
Developed by Walter Thiel, this method has gained attention for its ability to maintain life-like tissue properties.
Preserves softness, flexibility, and natural color
Allows realistic surgical simulation
Near-natural color preservation
Improves understanding of functional anatomy
Minimal odor compared to formalin
Higher cost and technical complexity
Requires specialized infrastructure
Not as long-lasting as formalin
This is why Thiel cadavers are increasingly used in skill labs and surgical workshops rather than routine dissection halls.2,3
Plastination, introduced by Gunther von Hagens, transforms biological tissues into dry, durable specimens.
Long-lasting and maintenance-free
Odorless and safe for repeated handling
Excellent for teaching complex structures
No flexibility, unsuitable for dissection
Expensive and time-intensive
Ideal for visual learning and museum-style teaching, but not for hands-on training.1
Better tissue flexibility than formalin
Reduced chemical exposure
More comfortable learning environment for students
Shorter preservation period
Lack of universal standardization
These methods are emerging as cost-effective alternatives, especially in teaching-focused institutions.2,3
Across multiple studies, a clear pattern emerges regarding the strengths of different preservation techniques. Formalin continues to be the most reliable method for long-term preservation, making it suitable for routine dissection.
In contrast, the Thiel method provides superior tissue flexibility and life-like characteristics, making it the preferred choice for surgical training and simulation.
Plastination stands out for its durability and is best suited for demonstration and teaching complex anatomical relationships without the need for maintenance.
Meanwhile, soft embalming techniques offer a practical middle ground, balancing improved tissue handling with reduced chemical exposure. Overall, the evidence suggests that no single preservation method is universally ideal; instead, each serves a distinct role within modern medical education.1,2
Modern anatomy labs are no longer relying on a single preservation method. Instead, many institutions are adopting a hybrid model:
Formalin cadavers for foundational learning
Thiel or soft-embalmed cadavers for clinical skills
Plastinated specimens for revision and demonstration
This integrated approach aligns anatomy teaching with the demands of modern medicine.
Formalin has served anatomy education for generations, but it is no longer sufficient on its own. With increasing emphasis on clinical relevance and student safety, modern preservation techniques are reshaping how anatomy is taught.
The future lies not in replacing formalin entirely, but in combining traditional and innovative methods to create a more effective and realistic learning experience.
Eisma R, Lamb C, Soames RW. From formalin to Thiel embalming: what changes? J Anat. 2013.
Balta JY, et al. A comparison of embalming fluids for use in surgical workshops. Clin Anat. 2015.
Brenner E. Human body preservation – old and new techniques. J Anat. 2014.