ABSTRACT
In the initial stages of body composition analysis, cadavers were analysed and later used as a criterion method for validating developing methods which could be used in live subjects. Cadavers have been analysed chemically and anatomically. The chemical approach has allowed the measurement of fat, protein and minerals while the anatomical approach has allowed the determination of the gross tissue weight for different parts of the body separated by dissection. Most information available today is based on analyses performed in the mid-1900s (Matiegka, 1921; Widdowson, McCance & Spray, 1951). This method represents the only truly accurate measurement of composition because of the capability for chemical assessment of dissectible tissue. The mass of these tissues collectively equals that of the fresh cadaver after evaporation of body fluids during the dissection process.
