Systems of the Human Body in Research and Education Virtually every organ and system of the human body is needed for research, and nearly every disease that plagues mankind is being studied with the help of donated human organs and tissue.

Lung Research into cystic fibrosis, asthma, emphysema and allergies are advanced by the use of human lung tissue. Pancreas Diabetes researchers rely on pancreatic tissue to explore the regulation of insulin production and to identify the genetic components of the disease. Transplantation of islet cells, the site of insulin production, is undergoing clinical trials with very promising results. Kidneys Renal tissue is used to study the toxicity of anti-cancer therapies, for example, and to study the safe concentrations of other drugs in development. Liver The liver is responsible for most drug and chemical metabolism, and is the site of drug-drug interaction and toxicity. IIAM has been a leader in providing consented, whole, human livers to help researchers understand how human livers respond to various drugs, and to reduce researchers' reliance on animal testing. Spleen As a prolific source of T-cells, the human spleen is used by researchers to investigate AIDS and other autoimmune diseases. Heart, Arteries and Veins Medical investigators use the human heart to learn about the development of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. These and other blood vessels are used to find ways to control clot formation and high blood pressure. Groundbreaking research for bypass procedures is also underway. Brain Research into Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and ALS requires healthy and diseased human brain tissue to study the disease processes with the goal of allowing victims of these diseases to live longer and better quality lives, and ultimately prevention for future generations. Skin Researchers examining human skin to study comparative rates of drug absorption have developed such novel approaches as transdermal or "patch" delivery, as well as topical applications, for a variety of drug types. Musculoskeletal Tissue and Anatomical Specimens Joints, large anatomical specimens, bone structures and soft tissue are used in surgical training programs and by those who develop new instruments and surgical accessories.