Tips to Minimize the Likelihood of Fainting in a Cadaveric Dissection Lab

Many biology courses include a dissection lab. Whether students are dissecting a frog or a cadaver, it is important for them to be comfortable with their surroundings and the dissections. However, many students are uneasy around dissections, which could lead to several issues within a lab. To combat this, we feel it is important that faculty are aware of the various ways of preparing themselves and students to prevent fainting and other dangerous issues in lab. How one prepares for lab can have a huge impact on the students' lab experience. This article presents 10 tips and tricks we have employed to aid students in having a positive cadaver dissection experience, including informing students of the dissection and what will be covered in lab, requiring proper attire, recommending that students eat before lab to prevent nausea, and several other ideas.