A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

Tissue bank

A tissue bank is a place where body parts are stored for later use in transplantation.

Although the word ‘tissue’ suggests a filmy sheet, its medical use is broader and it just means any soft body part or piece.

When a body is donated to medicine, various parts are ‘harvested’ - kidneys, liver, corneas, bone, tendons etc - and many recipients benefit as the different bits can and usually go to different people.

Some tissues have to be used immediately but others can be dried and stored and exceptional care is taken to ensure maximal sterility.