One of the most popular exhibits on the planet, ‘Body Worlds RX’ was created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, who invented plastination, an intricate process that removes fluids and fatty material from bodies’ cells and replaces them with plastics that harden to reveal how humans look on the inside.
PHOTO BY BILL KNIGHT

Donating bodies to science goes beyond helping medical students and harvesting organs, as shown by the world-renowned “Body Worlds RX” exhibit opening May 13 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Today, seniors are warned to pay attention to their hips and knees, hearing problems, macular degeneration, gum recession, foot woes like plantar fasciitis, and aging bodies’ other changes. Decades ago, countless school kids saw classroom pictures of healthy lungs and lungs damaged by smoking.

This spring and summer, visitors will be able to explore the physiological and biological wonders within us from the inside out, literally.

Less “CSI” than “Bill Nye: Science Guy,” “Body Worlds RX” displays the anatomical makeup of the human body, showing our physical possibilities and limits, and it can encourage guests to reflect on what it means to be human. Plus — referenced by the “RX” designation — the bodies presented (again, all donated) help increase awareness of the dramatic impacts of illness and injury, how the body’s intricate blend of organs, muscles, bones and nervous system can develop and react to back pain, cancers, diabetes, dementia, obesity, smoking, even eating disorders, and suggest actions people can take to be healthy.

All the everpresent effects of our bodies are explained in easy-to-appreciate ways. For instance, feelings of joy stem from interactions between the brain’s neurotransmitters and hormones churning through our systems; bodies’ potential movements are revealed by the intermingling of skeleton and muscles; the unwavering engine of life, the heart, is demonstrated — with a special complementary exhibit assisted by a Peorian, Dr. Anthony Cutilletta, offering professional and personal insights on the heart’s structure, function and overall cardiac well-being.

One of the planet’s most popular touring exhibits, seen by more than 50 million visitors, “Body Worlds RX” was created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, a German physician and inventor of plastination, an intricate process that removes fluids and fatty material from bodies’ cells and replaces them with plastics that harden, patented in the 1970s.

Continuing through September, the fascinating exhibitions are sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation and the Corporate Visionary Society Council in partnership with the University of Illinois College of Medicine and OSF Jump Trading Medical Simulation & Education Center, with support from Unity Point (Carle) and OSF.