The study of human anatomy involves practical exercises and dissections on cadaveric material in laboratory settings. Students have demonstrated diverse reactions. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the physical and emotional changes in medical students between their first and last anatomy practice sessions, including dissection. Methodologically, this is a quantitative observational study with a single-cohort, descriptive design and a multicenter approach. 306 students from five Colombian universities participated voluntarily. They shared common exposure to the practice sessions. The instrument "Study of Perception in Dissection Practice - 2 Parts - Short Version - EPPD-2p" was applied. At the end of the instrument, a descriptive scope concept was generated for each of the four dimensions, and an optional space for comments was included. Reliability and construct validation of the EPPD-2p was performed. Perception measurements were taken after the first and last
laboratory sessions, and the results of the two sessions were then compared. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed, and the Student's exact t test was used to determine the difference between these time points. In contrast, the results show a significant decrease in reactions such as vertigo, nausea, palpitations, tremors, and sweating; a slight increase in the consequences of insomnia and loss of appetite; and coping with positive aspects such as relaxation and the use of biosafety implements, while negative aspects such as the use of tranquilizers were noted. It is concluded that the decrease in physical and emotional changes may be related to a process of psychological adaptation, mediated by the time elapsed between the two moments, combined with the coping mechanisms that students adopt to respond to the actions and decisions related to the proper handling of human material, as well as to their learning process and the future challenges they will face in their medical work.
KEY WORDS: Anatomy; Cadaver; Medical students; Dissection.
