Learning relational anatomy by correlating thin plastinated sections and magnetic resonance images: preparation of specimens.

Plastination is a process whereby the tissue water and part of the tissue fat of anatomical specimens is replaced with a curable polymer. Several variations of this technique are available, depending on both the type of specimen and polymer being used. In this study, the efficiency of BIODUR PEM 11-prepared cross sections as a teaching aid for radiographic anatomy is investigated. A human cadaveric head was scanned on a magnetic resonance (MR) imager, recording images in a coronal plane of approximately 6 mm in thickness. Corresponding slices were then taken of this head and plastinated by the BIODUR PEM 11 method. In general, a good correlation existed between the plastinated sections and the MR scans. The plastinated slices displayed superior differentiation between musculature compared to the scans. In conclusion, the plastinated sections, used in conjunction with the MR scans, are a valuable tool in learning radiographic anatomy. Additionally, BIODUR PEM 11 is a viable alternative to plastination by other methods.