The university’s anatomy and physiology courses dissect cats for the purpose of learning the anatomy of humans, and is mandatory for biology, pre-med and health science majors.

What is the purpose of dissection?

Dissection is used to help to determine the cause of death in autopsy (called necropsy in other animals) and is an intrinsic part of forensic medicine. A key principle in the dissection of human cadavers is the prevention of human disease to the dissector.

What is the benefit of completing a dissection?

The hands-on approach of dissection allows students to see, touch and explore the various organs. Seeing organs and understanding how they work within a single animal may strengthen students’ comprehension of biological systems.