Mission Statement
The Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy is currently part of the Gottfried Schatz Research Centre. It existed as an independent institute since the founding of the Faculty of Medicine, 1863, and has been located in Harrachgasse since the construction of the combined institute building for anatomy and physiology, 1870-1872. In 2023, the division will move to the new institute building at Auenbruggerplatz 25 and will thus also be locally integrated into the association of university hospitals. The division is not divided into departments, but consists of three working groups (Experimental Biomechanics, Clinical Translational Anatomy and Teaching Research).
The Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy at the Medical University of Graz represents the subject of anatomy as a basic medical scientific subject. In both teaching and research, it deals with the macroscopic structure of the human body from a systematic, topographical, functional and causal point of view. At the same time, the anatomical teaching content conveys the basic principles of science-based medicine. Through the teaching of anatomical terminology, students are introduced to the principles of medical language, which is an essential foundation in the teaching of specialised medical content and forms the basis for international medical communication. Through anatomical specimens, the student gains knowledge and ideas about the form and function of the living and receives his first training in scientific thinking. With the first guided interventions in dead human bodies, students are familiarised with ethical action. Thus, anatomy also holds a key position in this sense, as it prepares future doctors for ethical norms of behaviour and social conduct.
The Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy uses special methods to fulfil its tasks, primarily layer-by-layer anatomical preparation. For this and other applications, various procedures are used to preserve anatomical specimens. These enable, for example, various injection techniques as casting procedures for body cavities, blood and lymph vessels, plastination, as well as the recording and representation of biomechanical processes. In addition to conventional X-rays, the chair also uses computer tomography and sonography. Computer-assisted 3D reconstructions can be generated from these and other sectional image data sets. In addition, 3D printing is used in the production of anatomical models and special tools required for biomechanical testing procedures. Animations of developmental and motion sequences complete the range of applications for science and science-based teaching.
The Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy at the Medical University of Graz has enjoyed an unbroken international reputation for decades, based on the special quality of its training, its modern technical facilities and its clinical-practical orientation.
Univ.-Prof. Dr.med. Niels Hammer