The history of anatomy as a medical science is both one of the expansion of knowledge of the human body and substantial benefit to humanity, as well as a darker side involving ethical transgressions. As such, anatomy has had a powerful effect on both the science of health care and medical ethics.

The history of anatomy in Nazi Germany highlights the insidious and ultimately disastrous consequences when inhumane tendencies within anatomy鈥攁nd all medical science and practice鈥攚ere enabled by an antidemocratic, antisemitic, and racist regime.¹ Anatomy presents an example of ethical offenses by scientists and health care professionals that were amplified in the criminal political climate of the Nazi regime.² This can happen anywhere, at any time because science and medicine are never apolitical.