These life-like creations look so alive for one reason…they used to be! Every piece on the floor is the product of human donation after death. A process called plastination, which involves taking actual human bone and tissue and preserving it through the use of plastics, preserves the bodies.

Similar if anything to the work of Damien Hirst, an artist known for placing sharks and other marine life in formaldehyde and arranging them creatively, Von Hagens has refrained from calling himself an artist in recent interviews. He instead refers to himself and wishes to be regarded as a scientist and enlightener. Von Hagens has dedicated his life to research on the human body, working to make his developments public. His pursuits are making the passion for human anatomy easier to study for those in the medical field. Also, his creations have the capacity to fast track the quality of a medical education by allowing students to work with exact samples of actual human anatomy.

“Body Worlds 2” begins with a few small displays of bones, skeletons, and a few other organs. Essentially, it is a warm-up to prepare for the full blown bodies that are to come. Differing from the first Body Worlds, the new exhibit features bodies in motion; Bodies that include that of a ski jumper in mid air, and more. The gallery also juxtaposes healthy and unhealthy organs. If you are looking for the inspiration to stick to that New Years goal of not smoking, look to Von Hagens! Elaborate displays of the circulatory and nervous system make one appreciate the captivating beauty as well as complexity of the human body. But be warned that some of the other displays might make one's knees weak at the same time. This is not to say that the exhibit is in any way gruesome, but how often does one see the inside of a pregnant woman?

“This is a look at the human body that most people never get the chance to see,” said Dr. Patricia Ward of the Museum of Science & Industry. ““Body Worlds 2” is a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyday people to have the chance to see inside their bodies, and experience something reserved only for medical professionals.” Do not miss your chance to see and learn about the marvel that is the human body. “Body Worlds 2” will be showing at the Museum of Science & Industry until April 29. If human anatomy interests you at all, this is the place to be. Scratch those usual plans and try something new. It's true what they say; learning can be fun!

• Photos courtesy of www.bodyworlds.com.

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