Ya mama!!

Why do we need to buy a skeleton??
Is it really required?
I am scared to death..
I don't mind but my mother is scared to death!
What shall we do?

You need a skeleton to study the human bones in Anatomy. In the practical (spotting) examination, you will encounter bones that you should identify, state right or left side, and mention the structures (muscles, nerves, etc) attached or related to a marked part. This means you need to see the bones a lot, and the best way to achieve this is to buy a skeleton at home!

This means that a skeleton is NOT obligatory, but quite helpful.

Where to buy?

You can buy a complete skeleton from the Faculty's morgue. Hurry up because the numbers available are usually limited. Get a senior to accompany you to check that there are no bones missing (choose a clever one!)

Another option is to buy a skeleton from a senior. Many seniors don't need their skeletons any more and offer them on sale. Prices may be lower.

Colored vs. Plain skeletons

A colored skeleton is one that is marked with different colors for sites of attachments of muscles and ligaments. A plain skeleton lacks these markings. Although these markings may be helpful, sometimes there are errors and they may become misleading.

Prices?

Prices differ each year, plain skeletons being cheaper, about L.E. 200 while colored skeletons may reach L.E. 250.

Got the skeleton, where to store it?

The skeleton may have a bad odour. The best place to store them is a sunny balcony. Following are helpful instructions :

keep them dry and away from humidity

never wash them with water

keep them outdoors, take care from rain!

put delicate bones in a separate bag, they may get crushed

handle them using plastic gloves

if they smell bad, try giving them to the morgue keeper for a good paint