Murdoch University Veterinary Anatomy Museum

The Veterinary Anatomy Museum in its current form was established in 2001 but contains specimens dating back to the 1980s. Its principal purpose is to facilitate the learning and understanding of gross anatomy of domestic species as well as wildlife that are core to the training of Veterinary and Animal Science students.

The Murdoch Veterinary Anatomy museum is located on the ground floor of the Veterinary Biology Building (VBS1.027) and consists of veterinary anatomy, primate anatomy and x-ray viewing rooms. The specimens in the large veterinary anatomy room are exhibited as body systems such as the locomotor, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Within each body system representative specimens from various domestic species; equine, bovine, porcine and canine are displayed. The most common specimens are wet mounts where beautifully executed dissections are displayed in a complex solution based on formalin to preserve and maintain the appearance of the specimens. A number of plastinated specimens, where a resin has replaced water from the tissues, are used to provide lightweight robust specimens. A series of exquisite, acrylic corrosion casts of internal cavities such as blood vessels, and a large number of articulated skeletons and bones complete the offerings.

The smaller primate museum caters primarily for Biomedical and Forensic Science students. It contains numerous primate skeletons, several human anatomical models as well as many osteological replicas illustrating human evolution and forensic trauma cases.

The majority of museum specimens have been photographed and labeled/annotated images have been uploaded onto a ‘Virtual Museum’ site that can be accessed whilst students are in the museum, elsewhere on campus or on-line from home. Overall the Veterinary Anatomy museum is an aesthetic venue for students to learn and is a fantastic asset to the School of Veterinary and Life Sciences.