In "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," author Mary Roach discusses a memorial service dedicated to the cadavers used in medical education. With a blend of humor and seriousness, she reflects on the solemnity of the occasion. One poignant quote captures her unique perspective, emphasizing the absence of an "anhydrous lacrimal gland," suggesting a deeper understanding of the body and its functions even in death.

Roach's writing invites readers to contemplate the role of cadavers in the medical field while navigatng the delicate balance of reverence and curiosity. Through her engaging narrative, she sheds light on the lives that were lived before the cadavers became tools for learning and exploration, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of mortality and the human experience.