Illustration of a superficial dissection of the forearm by Matt Briggs
Body Parts: the art and application of medical illustration
20th September–9th November 2024
The tradition of making images of the human body for medical education goes back centuries. The development of anatomy atlases, so called as they 'mapped' the body began in the 1400s. Manuals for surgery and medical treatments followed.
Today original illustrations might be drawn in pencil, ink or paints, or created in digital packages - all are made to communicate information about human anatomy, medical conditions and surgical procedures. They can be widely seen in healthcare information leaflets, public health posters and campaign materials, with further uses in forensic photofit portraits, visualising aging and plastic surgery applications. Diagrams for exercise and yoga books; models used to train healthcare students and clinicians and even museum exhibits - all help professionals and the public better understand health and communicate medical treatments.
Find out more about the Medical Artists Association of Great Britain
Arterial supply to the latissimus dorsi muscle by Amanda Williams
Coronavirus by Maurizio De Angelis
Urinary system by Francesca Corra
Diabetic retinopathy by Philip Wilson