New links ADDED!

Thanks to one of my past students... Yea, J.!

Beat the smell. (Warning: product plug.)

You will be taking the smell of the anatomy lab home with you. Not only will your scrubs (and other clothes) retain the smell (and possibly be splattered), but the smell will stick to you skin. Specifically, I think the the lipids, formaldehyde and decomp products stick to your hair (including the hair on your arms, etc.).

While you can wash your clothes, you’ll need a strong product to get the smell out of your hair. You may not smell it (possibly because it’s attached to the hairs in your nose, and you get used to it), but others will. You can also transfer the smell to other clothes, your sheets and pillowcases, etc.

My solution is Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Liquid Soap, which I’ve used for years. It’s biodegradeable, organic, and can be used as both a shampoo and body soap. And it’s great for using when outdoors (camping, etc.)…

http://www.drbronner.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DBMS&Category_Code=PEP

Currently, the onlytwo places that I know of in Buffalo, NY that carry this are Wegman's (in the organic/health food section) and the Lexington Co-op on Elmwood (but it’s more expensive there). I'd order it online, it's cheaper!

Readers, let me know if you have other never-fail solutions.

Wetting solution

The FIRST thing to do after opening your table each day is to fill a bottle with wetting solution, so that you have some to work with and can keep the cadaver from drying out while you dissect. Use the wetting solution liberally and often – it is cheap; you only get one cadaver, and if it dries out, you’re in big trouble… besides, it’s easier to remove the ultra-thin deep investing fascia layer over muscle when it’s good and wet.

Double glove!!!

This way, you don't have to deal w/ putting on new gloves over damp, sweaty hands whenever you need to scratch an itch, adjust your glasses, etc...