Clinical Anatomy

The Department of Clinical Anatomy is dedicated to turning detailed anatomical knowledge into practical clinical expertise.
Our state-of-the-art facilities support both educational and research endeavours. These include advanced microscopy laboratories, cutting-edge dissection halls, and a specialized histology laboratory. We also maintain the Stellenbosch Bone Repository for educational and research purposes. Additionally, the Victim Identification Service at Stellenbosch University (ViSUN) collaborates with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Western Cape Forensic Pathology Services (WCPS) to support the identification of unidentified human remains.

Our research pushes the envelope in clinical anatomy. Our recent studies on anatomical variations in vital organs have led to the development of innovative imaging protocols now used in preoperative planning at local hospitals. Our state-of-the-art facilities – including specialised dissection labs, high-resolution imaging centers and histology units – are the backbone of projects that refine surgical techniques and boost diagnostic accuracy. By working closely with clinical departments and research institutions, we translate our discoveries into improved patient care, making a real difference in health outcomes.

Our body donation programme

A very important part of medical education is using cadavers to teach anatomical structures to healthcare professionals. Therefore, the Division of Clinical Anatomy at Stellenbosch University urges people to donate their bodies for use in medical research and anatomical studies to ensure that the students we train today are the best medical professionals of tomorrow.
The use of donated bodies is specifically related to teaching and research for science and health sciences students as well as medical specialists. Donated bodies are treated with the utmost respect and the anonymity of the individual donor will not be compromised in any format or for any reason. Any research that will be conducted on the donated body has to be evaluated and approved by the Stellenbosch University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to ensure that the use of the remains is not compromised in any legal or ethical regard.

Contact us
[email protected]
+27 21 938 9397

Research coordinator
[email protected]

Body donation programme
[email protected]

Physical address
Tygerberg Campus
Francie van Zijl Drive

“Our recent studies on anatomical variations in vital organs have led to the development of innovative imaging protocols now used in preoperative planning at local hospitals.”

Our programmes

Anatomy for Undergraduate BSc Human Life Science Students

This undergraduate anatomy programme comprehensively introduces anatomical sciences for second and third-year BSc Human Life Science students.

Postgraduate

BScHons in Anatomy

This one-year BScHons in Anatomy programme prepares graduates for teaching and research roles in anatomical sciences and serves as a pathway to MSc or PhD studies.

PhD in Anatomy

This PhD programme is designed for advanced research in anatomical sciences, contributing to the division’s focus areas.

MSc in Anatomy

The MSc in Anatomy is a thesis-based research programme aligned with the division's focus areas.