Cadaver Anatomy Courses

Continuing Education Massage Courses

Cadaver Dissection Lab Series

Explore the human body in unmatched detail through our Cadaver Dissection Lab Series, a four-part immersive educational experience designed for massage therapists, movement professionals, manual therapists, and allied health students. Each 4-hour lab focuses on a specific region of the body, offering participants the opportunity to actively engage in dissection or observe as preferred. All sessions utilize non-treated cadaver specimens, preserving natural tissue texture, color, and mobility for a truly life-like educational experience.

Course Highlights

• Format: 4-hour in-person dissection labs

• Participation: Active dissection or observation-only (student choice)

• Specimen Quality: Non-treated (no formaldehyde) for natural realism

• Class Size: Average of 4–6 students per table/specimen

• Instructor: Led by a skilled anatomist or clinical educator

• Prerequisite: Basic understanding of human anatomy recommended

• Tuition Options: $675 per class or $2,200 for 4 Class Series (Payment Plans Available)

Course & Schedule:

See Below for Individual Course Descriptions

Cadaver Anatomy of the Upper Extremity (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This focused 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers an in-depth exploration of the upper extremity, providing massage therapists, movement professionals, bodyworkers, and healthcare students with a unique opportunity to study the intricate anatomy of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.

Under the guidance of an experienced anatomist, participants will be encouraged to actively engage in the dissection process, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper three-dimensional understanding of the musculoskeletal and neurovascular systems. For those who prefer not to dissect, observation-only participation is welcomed and supported, making the lab inclusive for all learning preferences.

Key areas of focus include:

• Muscles of the shoulder girdle, upper arm, forearm, and hand, including the rotator cuff, biceps, triceps, flexors, and extensors.

• Bony structures and landmarks, such as the clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, and carpal bones.

• Major nerve pathways, including the brachial plexus and its branches—radial, ulnar, and median nerves—with insights into conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome and carpal tunnel.

• Joint mechanics of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, highlighting functional movement and common dysfunctions.

Dissection is performed on non-treated cadaver specimens, which are preserved without the use of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. This results in more natural color, texture, and movement, allowing participants to better appreciate the living qualities of human tissue and develop a refined understanding of anatomical relationships.

Set in a respectful and professional learning environment, this lab fosters critical thinking, somatic awareness, and clinical relevance. Whether you are refining your palpation skills or advancing your anatomical knowledge, this lab provides a transformative educational experience.

Prerequisites: A foundational understanding of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: All participants must comply with safety protocols and uphold the highest standards of respect for the anatomical donors.

Cadaver Anatomy of the Lower Extremity (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers a powerful, hands-on opportunity to examine the complex and functional anatomy of the lower extremity. Tailored for massage therapists, movement professionals, manual therapists, and health science students, this lab focuses on the pelvis, hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot—critical regions for mobility, stability, and structural integration.

Participants are encouraged to actively participate in the dissection process, allowing for direct engagement with the tissues and structures of the lower body. Those who prefer a non-dissecting role are welcomed to observe, ensuring that all learners benefit from the experience regardless of comfort level with dissection.

Guided by an expert anatomist, participants will explore:

• Muscles of the lower extremity, including the gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, and calf complex.

• Fascial and connective tissue relationships, including the iliotibial band, plantar fascia, and intermuscular septa.

• Skeletal anatomy of the pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, patella, and foot bones.

• Neural and vascular pathways, including the sciatic nerve, femoral artery, and tibial nerve.

• Functional connections between structure and common clinical conditions such as sciatica, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and knee instability.

The use of non-treated cadaver specimens—free from formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals—offers a uniquely realistic experience. Natural coloration, texture, and movement of tissues are preserved, providing an unparalleled level of anatomical clarity and insight into living-body dynamics.

This lab emphasizes professionalism, anatomical respect, and inquiry-based learning. By the end of the session, participants will have gained a richer understanding of the lower body’s interrelated systems and how they inform assessment, treatment, and movement strategies in real-world practice.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of anatomy is recommended.
Note: All participants must follow safety guidelines and treat anatomical donors with the utmost respect.

Cadaver Anatomy of the Torso & Trunk (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This dynamic 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers a rare and in-depth exploration of the human torso—encompassing the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions. Designed for massage therapists, bodyworkers, movement specialists, and healthcare students, this lab empowers participants to study the core structures that are fundamental to posture, breath, movement, and internal organ function.

Participants are encouraged to take an active role in the dissection process, gaining tactile, three-dimensional insight into the layered anatomy of the trunk. For those who prefer not to dissect, observation-only participation is also fully supported, ensuring a valuable experience for all comfort levels.

This hands-on session includes guided exploration of:

• Musculoskeletal anatomy, including the diaphragm, intercostals, rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and deep spinal stabilizers.

• Bony landmarks of the rib cage, vertebral column, pelvis, and sternum.

• Neural pathways, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and autonomic structures.

• Visceral anatomy, featuring the lungs, heart, digestive organs, kidneys, and reproductive structures, with attention to spatial relationships and clinical relevance.

All dissection is performed on non-treated cadaver specimens, meaning they are free from harsh preservatives such as formaldehyde. This allows for a more lifelike educational experience with natural color, texture, and tissue movement, offering a deeper appreciation for the living body’s anatomy.

Led by an experienced anatomist or clinical educator, the lab is conducted in a respectful, professional, and inquiry-driven environment, supporting enhanced anatomical literacy and practical application for therapeutic and clinical work.

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: All participants must adhere to lab safety protocols and demonstrate respectful conduct toward the human donors.

Cadaver Anatomy of the Head and Neck (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This immersive 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers an exceptional hands-on opportunity to explore the intricate anatomy of the head and neck. Ideal for massage therapists, manual therapy practitioners, bodyworkers, movement professionals, and students in the health sciences, this session provides both an educational and profoundly respectful experience with human anatomical donors.

Participants will actively engage in the dissection process, guided by a skilled anatomist or clinical instructor. This direct interaction allows for a deeper and more tactile understanding of the region’s complex anatomical structures. For those who prefer a more observational role, observation-only participation is also fully welcomed and supported.

Areas of exploration include:

• The layered musculature of the face, jaw, and neck—such as the muscles of facial expression, mastication, and cervical stabilization (e.g., SCM, scalenes, suboccipitals).

• Bony landmarks of the skull and cervical spine, including cranial sutures and vertebral anatomy.

• Key neural pathways, including major cranial nerves and branches of the cervical plexus.

• Vascular structures, lymphatics, and soft tissue relationships related to common clinical issues such as TMJ dysfunction, migraines, and whiplash.

Our specimens are non-treated, meaning they are not preserved with harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde. This provides an unparalleled learning experience, as the tissues retain more natural color, texture, and movement, closely resembling living anatomy. This allows participants to more accurately visualize and understand the real-life characteristics of muscles, fascia, and organs.

This lab fosters an atmosphere of professionalism, respect, and curiosity, and is designed to expand your anatomical understanding, improve palpation accuracy, and inform more effective clinical and therapeutic practices.

Prerequisites: A foundational knowledge of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: Participants must follow all lab safety protocols and demonstrate respect for the human donors throughout the session.