In adults, bone is the preferential target site for metastases from primary cancers of prostate, breast, lungs and thyroid. The tendency of these cancers to metastasize to bone is determined by the anatomical distribution of the blood vessels, by the genetic profile of the cancer cells and by the biological characteristics of the bone microenvironment that favour the growth of metastatic cells of certain cancers.

The teaching and learning of human anatomy by dissection has existed for thousands of years. Over the centuries, evolving ethical considerations for the sourcing of human bodies for dissection have resulted in a transition from the use of unconsented individuals to that of body donors and the institution of body donation programmes around the world. However, major challenges on the African continent have resulted in the continued use of unconsented or unclaimed bodies and the ethical dilemma for African anatomy departments regarding their use. Some of the key difficulties in sourcing donor bodies which exist on the African continent emanate from religious, cultural, societal trust and other confounding factors. This manuscript explores the challenges and suggests ways in which some of these constraints may be overcome.