Replacing “cadaver” with “body donor”: A language of gratitude and honor for our first teacher in medical education

Dissection of the human body lies at the very heart of anatomy education. For decades, it has remained the cornerstone of teaching and learning in this discipline. During dissection, anatomists frequently encounter structural variations, and when these are of significant surgical or embryological relevance, they are reported in leading anatomy or morphology journals as “case reports.” To investigate such findings more systematically and determine their prevalence in a particular population, multiple human bodies may be dissected and the results published as “research articles.” Whether presented as a case report or a research article, these studies are commonly referred to in the medical literature as “cadaveric studies”—a standard and widely accepted term. However, as authors we experienced that several peer reviewers have recently expressed concern that the term cadaver may sound impersonal or harsh. They suggest that phrases such as “donated body” offer a more respectful and dignified recognition of those individuals who have generously bequeathed their bodies to science and hence asked to replace the term “cadaver” with “donated body.” This has prompted us to reflect more deeply on the current terminology: whether the word “cadaver” is inherently insensitive, and shall we consider adopting a more sensitive and appreciative language instead.