Here's something for the OP to look at... in rooms that have the elphant hoses, they smell bad, it's not that great of ventilation, plus the fact that some cadavers don't take the embalming solution very well so they basically are rotting as you work, but here are some suggestions:
some schools have downdraft available (you turn it on when you work, and off when you're not.. this is a very good suction device, but dries the cadaver out if left on)
You can wear a mask. Anytime I went into the other lab that smelled bad, I just carried some papertowels over my face, seemed to do the trick. But if you continually have to work in that environment, investing in some respirator device (face mask) is worth it.
Realize that the cleaner you keep the lab, the less it will smell. Take on teh responsibility to keep your table free of clots, fat, fluid solution that came directly from the body and empty the bucket where it drains often. Be sure to get the human remains that are thrown out emptied as soon as possible. Also realize that the more you keep the cadaver sprayed down with the wetting solution, the more it will smell like "downy" or whatever your solution is made out of.
In addition, if you are using cheesecloths, change them out. Once you open teh abdomen, some strange smells will arise, particularly if you cut the bowel. Lastly, when your teacher tells you to tie off the rectum, clean any fecal matter ( I know that sounds really disgusting), but you will benefit from it in the end, just do it once, and get it off your table so you don't have to smell it later. Lastly, keep organs like lungs and heart in ziploc bags. They tend to carry moisture and putrid smells.
Also one thing you can suggest to your lab technician (usually an undergrad or someone who runs the lab) to use a lysol mop in the lab. It will make a world of difference. Even if it happens like 2 times a semester or whatever, it will relieve the odor temporarily.
As far as you smelling, this is always fun. Wash your scrubs at least weekly, double glove using nitrile gloves as your base and latex gloves on top (this will reduce how your hands smell). Always change before leaving the lab so you don't bring back smells into your home or car.
Sorry I just wrote a book on anatomy hygeine but i hope it helps ease your woes about anatomy lab. There really is a lot you can do to make the work conditions bearable.
PS> yes... bring food to munch on when you take breaks from lab... you will be starving.. it sound like a bad combo, but right as you're unveiling the sartorius and just before you truly discover what the gracilis is, you will be craving a Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Good Luck, it's an awesome class!
