Who dissects specimens?
Students of all ages participate in dissection labs in general science, biology, or anatomy classes. Dissection often begins in high school but can be introduced as early as sixth grade. College students who participate in biology courses typically encounter dissection labs. Dissection in medical school is often performed on human cadavers. Some veterinary schools’ curricula contain dissection labs, but progressive schools provide students with ethically-sourced cadavers (for example, donated cadavers of animals who died of natural causes) and do not require terminal surgery labs (although such labs may still be offered as an elective).
