Dissection is the process of cutting apart or separating tissues, organs, or organisms to study their anatomical structure. It is commonly used in the fields of biology, botany, zoology, veterinary science, and medicine to analyze the structure and function of components of plant and animal bodies. Dissection is also used in surgical procedures to separate an anatomical structure from its surrounding connective tissue to minimize unwanted damage.

In medical schools, students dissect human cadavers to learn anatomy. The practice of dissection has been used for centuries to explore anatomy, and it flourished during the 7th and 8th centuries when medical education was standardized. Dissection was limited by the religious taboo on cutting the human body, but this changed over time.

While dissection is a valuable educational tool, objections to the use of cadavers have led to the use of alternatives, including virtual dissection of computer models.

In summary, dissection is the process of cutting apart or separating tissues, organs, or organisms to study their anatomical structure. It is commonly used in the fields of biology, botany, zoology, veterinary science, and medicine to analyze the structure and function of components of plant and animal bodies.