[The relevance of anatomical specimens in the teaching of Pathology]

The relevance of museums of anatomy and pathology lies both in the conservation of anatomical specimens and their excellent reproductions and their use in education and research. The teaching of anatomy dates from ancient times, originating in the Theatrum Anatomicum and anatomical cabinets, located in the anatomy lecture rooms of European medical schools. These were followed by museums of anatomy and pathology in successive centuries. However, after a golden period in the XVIII century, there was a progressive decline which eventually led to a dramatic loss of many museums. Currently, there is a growing interest in the recovery and importance of these collections. We present an historical approach to their development and a review of the current situation in the principal anatomical museums of anatomy in Spain and the rest of Europe.