Cadavers and the Law

Flashcards covering the history of cadaver procurement, the Burke and Hare case, public policy changes, and the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.

What is described as the foundation of medical education in the notes?

The study of human bodies.

Who were the resurrectionists (body snatchers)?

People who removed bodies from graves to supply medical schools for dissection.

What crimes did William Burke and William Hare commit in Scotland?

They murdered seventeen people and sold their bodies to a medical school.

What happened to Burke after his discovery?

He was convicted, hanged, and publicly dissected.

What public reaction followed Burke and Hare's activities?

Outrage led to sensible laws regulating the acquisition of cadavers.

What does the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) allow individuals to do?

Donate their organs or an entire cadaver by putting a notation on their driver's license.

How can a donor authorize a cadaver donation under the UAGA?

By placing a notation on the driver's license and contacting a medical school or private agency to file the forms.

Who typically pays the transportation costs after a donor's death?

The family of the deceased.

What is done to the body after dissection, according to the notes?

The body is cremated, and the cremains can be returned to the family.