This Thursday, staff and students of CQU Mackay and members of the general public delved into the world of anatomy to see how the human body really works, at a screening of a live televised dissection in 'Anatomy for Beginners'.

The series, now available on DVD, features live, public anatomy demonstrations carried out by a famous anatomist and artist Dr Gunther Von Hagens, with the use of live models and real human cadavers.

In the series, Dr Von Hagens simplifies the normally lengthy and more formal dissection of a human body to give the audience a glimpse of the amazing complexities of human bodies.

The CQU audience marveled at the 'Movement and Circulation' series last Wednesday and Thursday and this week learnt all about 'Digestion and Reproduction'.

Organiser of the screenings, Dr Anthony Wheeler says dissections are usually reserved to medical schools and universities which feature anatomy departments.

“It’s a great chance for anyone interested in anatomy, to explore a real human body. The use of the live model and the human cadavers is well done,” he said.

“We had a good response to the program. Students studying a range of subjects and those studying university of the third age were in good attendance last week and this week,” said Anthony.

The program was originally broadcast in Australia on SBS television in July and August.

Photo: Dr Von Hagens (front) uses live and plastic models to walk viewers through a live, human dissection in 'Anatomy for Beginners'.