Information for viewers of Horizon

Viewers of BBC's “How much is your dead body worth” may be interested to find out more about the HTA’s role in anatomy.

Issue date: 18 March 2008

As regulator under the Human Tissue Act 2004 (HT Act), the HTA is responsible for providing advice and guidance to professionals and the public about body donation.

The education and training of medical professionals, as well as biomedical research, benefit from the generosity of those who donate bodies for use after their death. People who donate their body contribute in a vital way to training by medical schools and such donations are highly valued by staff and students alike.

How can I donate my body to medical science?

People who wish to donate their bodies need to contact their local medical school for more information. A list of local medical schools is available on this website.

Read frequently asked questions about body donation.

Promotion of body donation

As a regulator, the HTA is not able to promote body donation, but medical schools have been encouraged to do so and the HTA has provided them with support and information so the public is aware that there is regulation in this area.

Regulation of anatomy establishments

The HTA is also responsible for licensing establishments carrying out anatomical examinations.  See the list of anatomy establishments that the HTA licenses.

Establishments that are licensed by the HTA have to meet a number of standards set out in the HTA’s compliance report. View the HTA’s anatomy compliance report. One of these standards includes having a coding and records system in place to enable bodies, body parts, tissues and cell to be traced. The HTA will take regulatory action as necessary against any establishments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are not complying with these standards.