Cadaver use at the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility

Abstract

The Anthropological Research Facility allows actualistic studies evaluating human decomposition to be conducted in a controlled, scientific setting. These studies have had significant ramifications for forensic investigations. Donated cadavers are used to study the precise nature and timing of decomposition events. More than 1,000 bodies have been donated, and more than 2,000 individuals are registered for donation on their death. Initial studies using cadavers focused on gross morphological changes of human decomposition, while more recent research has delved into biochemical analyses. This research has contributed to the accuracy of time since death estimations, which may be critical in criminal investigations. Furthermore, the donated cadavers contribute to the unprecedented diversity of the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection, which allows for a wide range of skeletal-based research. The continuous supply of human cadavers is essential for these research endeavors, and the Forensic Anthropology Center strives to ensure that donor wishes are fulfilled and to assure donors that their invaluable gift will serve the scientific community for years to come.

Making the Ethical Transition in South Africa: Acquiring Human Bodies for Training in Anatomy

“…Similarly at another local institution between the years 1956‐1996, only 32% of the donors were female (Labuschagne and Mathey, ). This percentage of females accords with a study by Shirley et al () for a donor population at the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility. An increase in the number of female cadavers is also occurring at a nearby local institution where females now constitute 50% of the population of cadavers (they previously constituted 33%).…”

Size and Shape Differences in the Distal Femur and Proximal Tibia between Normal Weight and Obese American Whites

“…The sample consists of the skeletal remains of 143 individuals from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection and the Texas State University Donated Skeletal Collection . These collections contain modern American skeletons with documented sex, age, ancestry, stature, and body weight at death.…”

Decomposition Process and Post Mortem Changes: Review

“…Autolysis is a cellular self-destruction process caused by hydrolytic enzymes that were originally contained within cells (Enwere 2008;Shirley et al 2011). Autolysis normally begins at cells, which are metabolically active or contain large amount of water, lysosomes and hydrolytic enzymes.…”

“…However, the variety of fabric used and their properties are too wide, causing their roles in enhancing or inhibiting formation of adipocere to remain unclear. Researches by Dautartas (2009) and Shirley et al (2011) mentioned that the presence of plastic wrapping will enhance formation of adipocere. Meanwhile, Forbes et al (2005) found that the impermeable property of plastic may cause accumulation of waste product and inhibition of free saturated fatty acids from interacting with soil to transform into adipocere.…”