The Eyes Have It

roadsideamerica.com examines the transparent anatomical manikin phenomenon in this field review. Unfortunately, many of these classic teaching tools are being replaced by flashier interactive, digital multimedia exhibits.

“Anyone who thinks men are transparent should visit the nation’s health education museums. That’s where you can find transparent women, life-size see-through models used to explain anatomy and the mysteries of life to generations of school children.

Transparent women were created as public health education tools 30 or 40 years ago; some toured in mobile exhibits until finally settling down as the centerpieces of health museums. Transparent men, on the other hand, are hard to find (the Mayo Clinic Museum displayed one before it closed down). This is probably because pregnancy makes for a more interesting story, and American educators, as always, are reluctant to expose kids to transparent glowing male genitalia.“

To find the transparent human nearest you, check out this exhaustive list provided by John W. Wong, MD.