No image, however accurate, conveys what a real preparation conveys under your hands.
An Advanced Specialisation course in anatomical dissection on real cadaveric preparations, under the anatomist's direct guidance. Three days in the dissection room at the Anatomical Research Center Institute in Milan, dedicated respectively to the lower limb, the upper limb and head, and the complete trunk. Every participant works at the dissection table: you observe, you isolate, you recognise.
Anatomy is studied in books. It is understood at the dissection table.
An atlas is a map: it shows where structures are, not how they behave. But nobody truly learns a city by studying its plan. The human body works the same way — the fascia gliding over the muscle, the nerve running where the drawing does not predict, the anatomical variant that never appears in the manual yet does on the patient: this information exists only in the three-dimensionality of the preparation.
The study of anatomy has grown richer over the centuries, moving from textual transmission to iconographic, from photographic to virtual. And yet the study of dissection anatomy was, is and will always remain current. It is a millenary practice that demands a deep connection with the human body donated to science, and gives those who access it an experience impossible to obtain any other way.
Those who have seen what lies beneath the landmark palpate differently. The hand searches for a structure whose shape, depth and relations it knows — not an approximate area.
On the real preparation, variants are encountered. It is the only context in which you learn that the body does not always coincide with the drawing, and that clinical reasoning must take that into account.
Understanding how systems intersect on three axes is what separates nominal knowledge of anatomy from its clinical, rehabilitative or sports application.
One of the most modern and technologically advanced human anatomy training centres at international level.
The dissection room in which the course takes place is among the most advanced in Europe for anatomical training. Equipped dissection tables, filming and projection systems to follow the dissection conducted by the anatomist, and the environmental conditions required for working on chemically untreated preparations.
The quality of the preparation determines everything else. Unlike formalin-fixed material, which stiffens the tissues and alters their colour and consistency, the fresh preparation preserves the mechanical properties of the living body: the fascia glides, the muscle retracts, the plane opens as it would open in the operating theatre. It is what makes dissection an experience superimposable on anatomical reality, not an approximation of it.
«You cannot operate on what you do not know.»
Superior-quality real anatomical preparations, chemically untreated
4:1 ratio between participants and preparation, guaranteeing real access to the dissection table
Materials included — gown, masks, gloves, palpation probes and surgical instruments
Personal insurance included in the participation fee
The dissection room is not reserved for the surgeon. It is the starting point for anyone who works on the human body.
The competences required to access the programme are foundations of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics. No previous dissection experience is required: dissection techniques are illustrated at the opening of each day and practice always takes place under the anatomist's direct guidance.
Surgical, orthopaedic, rehabilitative, emergency and sports medicine areas.
Who intend to consolidate topographic anatomy on real preparations.
Who want to ground manual assessment in verified anatomical knowledge.
For whom understanding fascial and articular relations is the foundation of technique.
Who work on function and movement in clinical and sports settings.
With district-specific anatomical needs.
Who want direct knowledge of the districts they work on every day.
Each day alternates the demonstration conducted by the anatomist with each participant's direct practice at the dissection table. The structure is the same across all three days: the anatomist opens with the topographic framing of the district and the demonstration of dissection techniques; participants then move to the table, where they perform layer-by-layer dissection with dedicated tutoring by the medical anatomist. It is not a demonstration you attend: it is a practice you perform, with someone beside you correcting the gesture and recognising the structures together with the learner.
4:1
Participants per preparation
The 4:1 ratio is not a marketing figure: it is the parameter that establishes how many people can actually work at the table, and it determines the limited number of places. A larger group would turn practice into observation.
The path of the day
Entry to the dissection room, gowning, instruments and rules of conduct. Respect for the preparation is the first thing you learn.
Framing of the district and palpatory identification of the superficial landmarks — the same ones the professional uses in daily practice.
Presentation of the preparations and dissection techniques conducted by the anatomist, with projection in the room.
Layer-by-layer dissection performed by each participant at the table, from the superficial plane to the bony and articular one, with dedicated tutoring.
Issue of the daily attendance certificate and, on completion of the full programme, of the Professional Diploma.
Each day is self-contained and can be attended individually. Together, the three cover the entire topographic anatomy of the body.
Friday 11 September 2026
Topographic Anatomy and Dissection — Lower Limb
Saturday 12 September 2026
Topographic Anatomy and Dissection — Upper Limb and Head
Sunday 13 September 2026
Topographic Anatomy and Dissection — Complete Trunk
I — III
The three days together cover the entire topographic anatomy of the body and give access to the Professional Diploma with the qualification of Human Body Anatomy Expert.
Access to the dissection room for lectures and hands-on practical sessions at the dissection table, with dedicated tutoring by the medical anatomist. Materials included: gown, masks, gloves, palpation probes and surgical instruments. Personal insurance included.
The programme may vary for scientific and organisational reasons. Each day includes access to the dissection room for lectures and hands-on practical sessions at the dissection table, with dedicated tutoring by the medical anatomist. Materials and personal insurance included.
Premium MembershipThe course is available in a reserved formula for Premium Membership clients. Contact the office for all information and enrolment procedures.
Scientific direction, teaching and didactic coordination
Associate Professor of Human Anatomy at the University of Florence, qualified for the role of Full Professor. Editor-in-chief of the Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, the official journal of SIAI — the Italian Society of Anatomy and Histology.
8,000+
Hours in the dissection room
73
Articles in international journals
71
Conference proceedings
25
Books and book chapters
Faculty and room assistance
Scientific direction and teaching
Anatomist. Works alongside Prof. Paternostro in the scientific direction and teaching of the programme.
Station tutoring
Professionals with real clinical experience support participants at the stations for the entire duration of the practical sessions.
Professional training recognised at national and international level. The programme issues the Professional Diploma with the qualification of Human Body Anatomy Expert. It is the title that opens access to the professional registers: the ATS Professionals Register and, in partnership with Sport Science™, the International Sport Science Register — an international register in which the professional has a public profile through which to connect with clients and organisations.
50
ECM credits — special ATS formula
3
Verifiable daily certificates
The first Institute of Professional Training in the Scientific Field. Since 2008, Istituto ATS has been the reference point for health, wellness and sport professionals: scientific research, publishing and training. It is the training provider chosen by specialists, national and Olympic teams, clinics and specialist centres for biomedical research and performance.
International Scientific Provider · Anatomicus · Sport Science™ International Institute
15
Years of activity
5,000
Events organised in Italy
100,000
Qualified professionals
78,000+
Testimonials collected
Assistance channels
Toll-free number
800.17.30.25 — Monday to Friday, 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00
Direct channel with the ATS Specialist team
info@anatomicus.com
Answers to the most frequent questions about the course, access and certification.
Fill in the form and send your request with no obligation: the team will contact you within 24 working hours with the full programme, the participation conditions and the actual availability of places.
Reply within 24 working hours · Limited enrolment · 4:1 ratio · Professional diploma
11-13 September 2026 · Milan · Limited places