In her book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," Mary Roach discusses the fascinating yet humorous nature of human organs, specifically hearts, in a medical context. She describes how these hearts, which are often used for transplants, can be so lively in their appearance that surgeons occasionally mishandle them, leading to accidental drops during procedures. This unexpected scenario highlights the challenges and oddities surgeons face in the operating room, where even vital organs can seem almost comical.

Roach recounts a conversation with renowned heart transplant surgeon Mehmet Oz, who nonchalantly noted that if a heart slips and falls, they can clean it off and proceed as if nothing happened. This vivid imagery parallels the mundane reality of a dropped food item in a kitchen, evoking laughter while illustrating the professional culture surrounding organ transplants. Such moments bring a light-hearted perspective to the serious world of surgery and human anatomy, showcasing the balance of humor and gravity in the medical field.