Plastination- A Boon to Medical Teaching &Research

Plastination is a process of preservation of anatomical specimens by a novel method of forced impregnation with polymers such as silicone, epoxy or polyester resins which on curing yield dry, durable, lightweight and lifelike specimens. These specimens (plastinates) are useful for teaching of anatomy, pathology, radiology and surgery and are also useful for research. First developed by Gunther von Hagens in 1977, this technique is becoming increasingly popular and is a promising method for producing near ideal specimens for teaching and learning processes. This review elaborates the brief history, techniques, types, applications, advantages and disadvantages, and ethical issues of plastination.