TAM - Transparent Anatomical Mannikin

One of the most memorable “people” at the McMillen Center is TAM – our Transparent Anatomical Mannikin. When staff are out in public the question we are most asked is, “Do you still have TAM?” Yes! TAM has been reprogrammed over the years but she is still making a lasting impression on today’s youth.

 

While the first transparent woman was made in Germany in 1930 for use as a health education tool, the greatest profusion of transparent women appeared on the health education scene when designer Richard Rush developed the first TAM in 1968. The see-through woman was 5' 8" of vacuum-formed, plastic organ goodness.  TAMs were wired so specific areas and body systems would light up on command, as part of a pre-recorded presentation. Rush eventually produced 42 TAMs, many which are still in service. The last TAM was made in 1992, making existing TAMs a valuable piece of health education history.

 

One of Rush’s TAMs has been here at the McMillen Center since 1981 – her body parts lighting up and teaching kids of all ages. TAMs also had their moment of fame when one appeared on Nirvana's 1993 "In Utero" album cover.

 

In addition to our TAM, you can travel the US to see TAMs in Indianapolis at the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center; in Houston, TX, at the Amazing Body Pavilion; and at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, OR.

 

Want to have the TAM experience? Programs which utilize TAM are: