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Wellcome Museum of Anatomy and Pathology
Introduction to the College's Wellcome Museum of Anatomy and Pathology. The collections include more than 800 prosections demonstrating human anatomy and over 2000 specimens illustrating all the important branches of surgical pathology. These are displayed according to the regions of the body.
Some quotes from our visitors:
'The prosected specimens are invaluable in demonstrating anatomy, particularly in relation to surgery.'
A surgical trainee revising for IMRCS examinations
'Very interesting to actually see the things I've read about and learned for my exam! I could spend a week here - and not get bored! Great collection!'
A medical student
The Wellcome Museum contains a modern anatomical and pathological teaching collection. It is open to qualified practitioners and students on recognised courses, in medicine, nursing and allied health subjects, and related scientific/technical subjects.
Wellcome Museum Collections
Anatomy
The Anatomy collection includes more than 800 prosections demonstrating human anatomy arranged according to the regions of the body. Each of the following regions is extensively covered:
- Cranial cavity and brain
- Head and neck
- Thorax and thoracic viscera
- Abdominal wall and viscera
- Spinal cord and vertebral column
- Upper limb
- Lower limb
Many of the above regions include excellent resin casts demonstrating the vascular, respiratory, urinary and biliary systems.
Additional anatomical resources are also available these include:
- Fully articulated skeletons, mounted on mobile pedestals
- Disarticulated anatomical bones and teeth for 'hands on' study (please request if required)
- 10 sets of histological microscope slides demonstrating normal micro-anatomy
- Histological slides demonstrating dental structure and tooth development
- Computer programs covering various aspects of anatomical, clinical and pathological subject matter. (Please ask museum staff if required. Pre-booking may be necessary in busy periods).
Pathology
This collection contains 2000 specimens illustrating all the important branches of surgical pathology. A majority of the specimens on display in the museum are modern specimens which are important in supporting the learning and teaching of modern pathological conditions.
Pathology specimens on display in the museum are catalogued by the following groups, covering examples of malformations, injuries, vascular lesions, infections, primary tumors, secondary tumors, and other sundry lesions when possible:
- Musculo-skeletal system
- Alimentary system
- Female genital system
- Breast
- Male genital system
- Respiratory system
- Haemopoietic and lymphoreticular systems
- Cardiovascular system
- Urinary system
- Endocrine system
- Nervous system and special sense organs
- Integumentary system
- Pathology of gestation
Histopathological slides and X-rays are also available.
Our reserve collection includes:
Teratology specimens: In addition to human teratology specimens, we also have comparative zoological teratology specimens in our reserve collection. Access to these must be arranged before visiting.
Zoological pathology specimens: Our collection also contains zoological specimens access to which can be requested before visiting. They include zoological teratology specimens.
Historical pathology specimens: The basis of the pathology collection was formed in the 19th century and contains some important historical pathology specimens demonstrating extreme examples of pathology from the pre-antibiotic era. Examples include original specimens of Paget's disease, given to the College by Sir James Paget himself; examples of endemic diseases from the 19th century including rickets, tuberculosis and syphilis, and early examples of orthopaedic and cardiac interventions. Access to these must be arranged with the museum in advance.
