In "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," author Mary Roach explores various aspects of human bodies after death, including the surprising reactions of anatomy students to cadavers. One woman shared that her group made comments about the notably large genitalia of their cadaver, highlighting a mix of curiosity and humor in a sensitive academic setting.

What many may not know is that the embalming process can alter the physical appearance of cadavers. The embalming fluid, when injected into the body, causes erectile tissues to expand, often resulting in a greater endowment in male cadavers compared to their living counterparts. This aspect underscores the fascinating and sometimes unexpected realities of studying human anatomy in a post-mortem context.