After studying the human body through books and pictures, 17 biology students from Ballard High School experienced the real thing when they toured Bodies...The Exhibition.

The exhibit features 21 whole body specimens and 250 partial body specimens that illustrate aspects of the human anatomy and medical conditions affecting it.

Biology teacher Megan Vogel has taken four of her biology classes to the exhibit, along with two classes from Ballard's Maritime Academy, where she teaches the science as part of its curriculum.

"It's very beneficial since we are studying the human body right now," Vogel said. "This is a great exhibit to have in town. It allows for a different way to explain to them how the body systems are connected and the importance of taking care of your body."

The bodies are both male and female. They were obtained from the Dalian Medical University Plastination Laboratories in the People's Republic of China. The bodies were unclaimed by relatives. All died from natural causes.

A revolutionary polymer preservation process using liquid silicone rubber prevents the natural decaying of the bodies to enable them to be studied for an indefinite time period. The process can take up to a year.

There are nine galleries in the exhibit that provide detailed displays of the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other human body systems.

"Each gallery is set up as a different system of the body that is helpful for students to visualize the differences and how they work together," said Vogel.

Students in Vogel's classes take turns going to see the exhibit. This keeps each group smaller to encourage asking their teachers questions.

All the Ballard students were sophomores.

"It's pretty interesting to see how the body works," said student Mitchell Wall.

Vogel said an important aspect of Bodies is seeing diseased tissue that show what can happen if people don't take care of their bodies. A set of lungs belonged to a coal miner and were black with soot. An clogged artery is cut open to show the hardening of cholesterol.

The bodies and body parts have explanations about obesity, breast cancer, colon cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, ectopic pregnancy, arthritis, osteoporosis and bone fractures.

The exhibit also highlights the damages done to organs by smoking and bad dietary choices.

Some students gathered around a display with a human brain, connected to a spinal cord and central nervous system.

"I think its kind of weird that our bodies are like this, thinking about what is inside us. We have done out homework assignments to learn about it. It's really interesting. It looks a lot different in person," said Nicole Olsoe.

Students took their time in each room, asking questions and looking at display closely.

"It's incredible, it's so real, it's unbelievable. You get to know what is inside you and how fragile you are," said Kelcie Christiansen.

Dr. Roy Glover, the chief medical director for Bodies...The Exhibition provided this statement to got with the press materials.

"Seeing promotes understanding and understanding promotes the most practical kind of body education possible. The body doesn't lie," said Glover.

"Unlike models that idealize the body through the eyes of an artist, the specimens in this exhibition will show you the body and its parts as they really exist. Idealized models have been used for many years to teach about the body. However, models don't allow for any variation in structure - which is one of the most important factors in understanding the human body," said Glover.

"It's interesting. It's something we've never seen before. We imagine ourselves one way and we never imagine how we actually are inside. It's just amazing to see. It's totally different from books, you never see so much detail," said Delfina Salinas.

"It's amazing how they can separate it all and preserve it. It's crazy, they can get the little sections. I'm at a loss of words ... it's just amazing," said Noah Newton-Gladstein.

On the day this group of Ballard students visited, there 17 other biology classes from high schools scheduled.

Some elementary (third grade and up) and middle schools have toured the show, along with college students.

Bodies...The Exhibition was organized by Premier Exhibitions in Atlanta.

In a press package issued to the media, Bodies...The Exhibition organizers say the teaching of basic human anatomy and physiology are hallmarks in any child's education.

"We recommend that children attend the exhibition with a teacher or parent as an adult guide. We feel strongly that the exhibition can offer a rare family experience: A golden opportunity to open a child's eyes and in a way no textbook ever could, to teach them about the complexities of the human body and the necessity of proper nutrition, regular activity and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, such as avoiding smoking and alcohol."

The show has received worldwide acclaim with two million visitors in London, New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Tampa.

Bodies...The Exhibition runs through the end of April.

"At the moment it is doing real well popularity wise," said Brian Layton, general manager.

Layton said there is a good possibility the exhibit will be extended.

Bodies...The Exhibition is at the Washington State Convention Center, 800 Pike Street. Visit http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com for times and ticket information. The exhibition has been extended through April 1. 15,000 students have visited it so far.

Dean Wong can be reached at 783.1244 or dino@robinsonnews.com