skip to main content

Human Tissue Act and Body Donation — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardLegal & Ethical FrameworkHuman Tissue Act and Body DonationSCE Palliative Medicine

A patient wants to donate his body for anatomical teaching after death. His relatives ask whether they can provide consent later if he leaves no paperwork. Which legal principle applies in England?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — The Human Tissue Act requires the donor’s witnessed written consent

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as C · A = shown as E

E is correct. Anatomical examination is a scheduled purpose for which the donor’s own written, signed and witnessed consent is required; relatives cannot create that consent after death. A and B grant powers that do not exist, C relies on superseded legislation, and D omits the statutory formalities. The receiving medical school also applies acceptance criteria and regulated storage and disposal arrangements.

Reference: Human Tissue Authority: donor consent for anatomical examination: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/guidance-sector/anatomy/acceptance-donor-consent-anatomical-examination