Gadsden, AL – Second in a four-part series celebrating Community College Month
As part of its continued celebration of Community College Month, Gadsden State Community College is spotlighting one of its most distinctive academic resources—the Human Gross Anatomy Lab, commonly referred to as the Cadaver Lab. The lab is the only one of its kind among Alabama’s community colleges and provides students with an exceptional hands-on learning experience in human anatomy and physiology.
Located in the Science Building on the East Broad Campus, which opened in January 2020, the Cadaver Lab houses up to four human cadavers each year. This unique setting allows students to explore human anatomy in a way that traditional textbooks and digital simulations cannot match.
“The lab is known as the Cadaver Lab on our campus,” said Phillip Snider, anatomy and physiology instructor and director of the lab. “It sets the standard for hands-on, real-world education in the sciences.”
Students enrolled in the College’s anatomy and physiology courses use the lab to engage in dissection activities and study the structure and function of the human body. The lab also provides the opportunity to explore the effects of disease, cancer, and conditions affecting the cardiovascular system.
“Cadaver labs are an essential part of medical and health-related education,” Snider explained. “They provide students with the opportunity to study the human body in a way that no textbook or computer simulation can replicate. The hands-on experience of dissecting real human tissue is indispensable in cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
The cadavers used in the lab are provided by the University of South Alabama in Mobile. They remain at Gadsden State for one year before being cremated and returned to their families. As part of their educational journey, students host a memorial service to honor and show gratitude to the individuals who donated their bodies for scientific study.
“It’s a deeply respectful and meaningful experience,” Snider said. “The students form a connection to the cadavers because they understand how integral the bodies are in their learning process. The memorial service allows them to show gratitude and acknowledgement for the gifts they received.”
Snider emphasized that the Cadaver Lab is not only an asset to Gadsden State but to the entire region, as it equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in healthcare, nursing, medicine, physical therapy, and other related fields.
“By providing a hands-on, immersive learning environment, we ensure that our students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the human body,” he said. “They are learning beyond the lecture. It’s the kind of learning that sticks with them throughout their careers.”
For more information about science programs and academic offerings at Gadsden State Community College, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/Academics.
