Contemplate a space where the intricate beauty of the human body is revealed. This is the Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande. It is a place where science and art intertwine.
The Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande is located in Porto’s historic center. It stands in a modern building near the Crystal Palace. The museum is part of the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto. The museum might be missed. It is one of many doors in a long stone corridor. A tribute to Nuno Grande marks the spot. An inscription above two metal doors announces the museum.
Inside the Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande, a bright room of about 40 square meters awaits. Metal and glass structures display the exhibits. Adjustable benches and chairs line both sides. These allow visitors to study anatomical pieces closely. There are approximately 12 small corridors. Windows line both sides of them. The collection focuses on normal anatomy. It is organized by body systems. Internal organs and vessels injected with dyes are showcased.
Professor Nuno Grande collected and prepared the oldest specimens. This occurred shortly after his arrival from Luanda. The Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande’s collection has expanded to meet teaching needs. Anatomical pieces of animals are now included. These are essential for teaching anatomy in veterinary medicine.
Each piece at the Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande is identified. The label shows the anatomist technician’s name. It also includes the collection date, institution name and structure or body system. Detailed information on the preparation process is not provided. The museum primarily serves a scientific community already familiar with these processes. Some specimens have numbered labels. These are used in anatomy exams.
The Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande’s collection has about 250 human anatomical pieces. Plastic models are also present. These mainly relate to veterinary medicine. Pieces for veterinary medicine teaching are at the back of the room. These show specific acts such as calf calving. Anatomy pieces of chickens, horses and oxen are displayed. Vascular injections of various animals are shown. A comparative anatomy section displays hearts and lungs. Specimens from oxen, cats and dogs allow you to view coronary arteries.
Human neuroanatomy is also showcased at the Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande. Sagittal and coronal sections of the brain are displayed. Some have markers that highlight neuron cell bodies. These distinguish between white and gray matter. Some brain specimens are used in neuroanatomy classes. Plastinated specimens are available for personal study.
Other exhibits at the Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande are organized by system. There is a display of the digestive and respiratory systems. The cardiovascular system exhibit shows both healthy and diseased organs. Individual organs are shown such as the spleen and pancreas. A fully preserved human body shows an unusual hypertrophy. Embryos with congenital malformations are displayed. These include microcephaly and complex Siamese twins.
Drawings made by fine arts students adorn the walls. The Faculty of Fine Arts of Porto assigns these. ICBAS awards prizes to the best drawings. While teaching normal anatomy is the primary function, the Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande welcomes the public by appointment. Many visits are from schools.
The Museu de Anatomia Professor Nuno Grande is more than just a collection of anatomical specimens. It is a testament to the dedication of Professor Nuno Grande. His legacy continues to educate and inspire. It bridges the gap between science and art.