Palpation changes meaning
Those who have seen what lies beneath the landmark palpate differently. The hand looks for a structure whose shape, depth and relations it knows, not an approximate area.
Milan
Cadaver Lab — Anatomical Dissection
No image, however accurate, gives back what a real specimen gives back under your hands.
- Real anatomical specimen
Not chemically treated
- Three days
Lower limb, upper limb and head, trunk
- Professional diploma
Expert in Human Body Anatomy
- Limited places
Anatomical Research Center Institute, Milan
Advanced Specialisation Course in anatomical dissection on real cadaveric specimens, under the direct guidance of the anatomist. 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: observing, isolating, recognising.
Rationale
What no atlas can teach
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 no one really 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 expect it, the anatomical variant that does not appear in the textbook but does on the patient: this is information that exists only in the three-dimensionality of the specimen.
The study of anatomy has grown over the centuries, moving from textual to iconographic transmission, from photographic to virtual. Yet study through dissection anatomy was, is and always will be current. It is a millennia-old practice that requires a deep connection with the human body donated to science, and that gives those who access it an experience otherwise impossible.
The anatomical variant stops being theory
On the real specimen you meet variants. It is the only context in which you learn that the body does not always match the drawing, and that clinical reasoning must take this into account.
Reasoning becomes three-dimensional
Understanding how the systems intersect on three axes is what separates nominal knowledge of anatomy from its clinical, rehabilitative or sports application.
In the laboratory
Three days at the dissection table.
Laboratory
Anatomical Research Center Institute
One of the most modern centres of human anatomy education internationally.
The dissection room where 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 led by the anatomist, and the environmental conditions required for work on chemically untreated specimens.
The quality of the specimen determines everything else. Unlike formalin-fixed material, which stiffens the tissues and alters their colour and consistency, the fresh specimen retains the mechanical properties of the living: the fascia glides, the muscle retracts, the plane opens as it would in the operating room. This is what makes dissection an experience that matches anatomical reality rather than an approximation of it.
You cannot operate on what you do not know.
- High-quality real anatomical specimens, not chemically treated
- Real access to the dissection table for every participant
- Consumables included — gown, masks, gloves, palpation probes and surgical instruments
- Personal insurance included in the participation fee
Dissection
Audience
A foundation, not a specialisation
The dissection room is not reserved for surgeons. It is the starting point for anyone who works on the human body.
Physicians and specialty trainees
Surgery, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, emergency medicine and sports medicine.
Medical Students
Who want to consolidate topographic anatomy on real specimens.
Physiotherapists and rehabilitation therapists
Who want to ground manual assessment in verified anatomical knowledge.
Osteopaths and chiropractors
For whom understanding fascial and joint relations is the foundation of technique.
Kinesiologists and Exercise Science graduates
Who work on function and movement in clinical and sports settings.
Dentists, orthopaedic technicians and healthcare professionals
With specific anatomical needs for a region.
Operating-room and critical-care nurses
Who want direct knowledge of the regions they work on every day.
Do you recognise yourself in one of these profiles?
No previous dissection experience is required.
Method
Observation, Study and Practice
Each day alternates the anatomist's illustration with each participant's direct practice at the dissection table. The structure is the same on all three days: the anatomist opens with the topographic overview of the region and the demonstration of dissection techniques; the participants then move to the table, where they perform dissection by planes with dedicated tutoring from the anatomist physician. It is not a demonstration you watch: it is a practice you perform, with someone beside you correcting the technique and recognising structures together with the learner.
- 01
Access to the laboratory
Entering the dissection room, gowning, instruments and rules of conduct. Respect for the specimen is the first thing you learn.
- 02
Topographic anatomy
Overview of the region and palpatory identification of the surface landmarks, the same ones the professional uses in daily practice.
- 03
Dissection anatomy
Illustration of the specimens and dissection techniques by the anatomist, projected in the room.
- 04
Guided practice on anatomical specimens
Dissection by planes performed by each participant at the table, from the superficial plane to the bone and joint plane, with dedicated tutoring.
- 05
Official Diploma
The certificate for the training day is issued on completion of the path.
Specimen
Dissection by anatomical planes
Ogni giornata procede per piani anatomici: cute e sottocute, fascia superficiale e profonda, piani muscolari, fino ai fasci neurovascolari e ai mezzi di fissità articolari.
Il preparato non fissato conserva colore, consistenza e scorrimento dei tessuti: i rapporti topografici si osservano come in vivo, struttura per struttura.
Ready to enter the laboratory?
Request the full programme and the dates of the next editions.
Dates
Upcoming Scheduled Dates
Select the date and ask for information on how to take part.
Three regions, three separate days
Each day is self-contained and can be attended on its own. Together, the three cover the entire topographic anatomy of the body.
Dissection
Lower Limb
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the dorsal regions of the pelvis and thigh
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the ventral regions of the pelvis and thigh
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the dorsal region of the leg and the plantar region of the foot
Dissection
Upper Limb and Head
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the dorsal regions of the shoulder and arm
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the ventral regions of the shoulder and arm
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the dorsal regions of the forearm and hand
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the ventral region of the forearm and hand
- Suggested joint-mobility exercises for the elbow and wrist
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the Head
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the Cervical Tract
Dissection
Complete Trunk
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the dorsal and lateral regions of the thorax
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the ventral and lateral regions of the thorax
- Dissection of the back, from the muscle planes to the spine
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the dorsal and lateral regions of the abdomen
- Topographic anatomy and dissection of the ventral and lateral regions of the abdomen
Full path — three days
Together, the three days cover the entire topographic anatomy of the body and give access to the Professional Diploma with the qualification of Expert in Human Body Anatomy.
Teaching
Faculty
Teaching
Scientific committee
Prof. Ferdinando Paternostro
Scientific Director
ATS Trainer, Author, Researcher and Teacher.
Full profile
Certification
Certifications and Diploma
Professional training recognised nationally and internationally. The path awards the Professional Diploma with the qualification of Expert in Human Body Anatomy (Anatomy Expert). It is the title that gives access to the International Sport Science Register, in partnership with Sport Science™: an international register in which the professional has a public profile through which to connect with clients and organisations.
- Professional Diploma — Expert in Human Body Anatomy (Anatomy Expert), awarded on completion of the path
- Verifiable certificate for each day attended
- International Sport Science Register — international register, in partnership with Sport Science™
Access
Limited-Places Event
Registration
Registrations remain open until one week before the event or until places run out.
One day or the full path
Yes. Each day is self-contained and ends with its own certificate. The Diploma requires completing all three.
Materials and insurance
No. Gowns, masks, gloves, palpation probes and surgical instruments are provided by the venue. The fee also includes personal insurance.
FAQ
Before You Register
Answers to the most frequent questions about the course, access and certification.
Have another question? Write to us: we reply within 24 working hours.
Does the course award a diploma?
Yes. Completing the path awards the Professional Diploma with the qualification of Expert in Human Body Anatomy, which gives access to the International Sport Science Register.
What skills are needed to take part?
Basics of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics. No previous dissection experience is required: dissection techniques are explained at the start of each day.
Can I attend just one day?
Yes. Each day is self-contained and ends with its own certificate. The Diploma requires completing all three.
What type of specimen is used?
Real anatomical specimens, not chemically treated. This is what allows tissues to retain the mechanical properties of the living.
Do I need to bring instruments or protective equipment?
No. Gowns, masks, gloves, palpation probes and surgical instruments are provided by the venue. The fee also includes personal insurance.
What are the course hours?
09.00 - 18.00
Until when can I book my registration?
Registrations remain open until one week before the event or until places run out.
Can I photograph the specimens?
Yes, with respect for the person who donated their body to science.
Information
Ready to enter the laboratory?
Fill in the form and send your request with no obligation: the team will get back to you within 24 working hours with the full programme, the terms of participation and actual seat availability.
Information Request
Anatomicus Training
Required fields
Information Request
Anatomicus Training
Required fields
- Reply within 24 hours
Working hours, from the Anatomicus team
- Limited-places event
Dedicated tutoring at the dissection table
- Real human anatomical specimen
In the dissection room
Contact
Prefer to Talk to Us Directly?
Call us, write to us on WhatsApp or by email: the Anatomicus team replies within 24 working hours.