BODIES - The Exhibition, which features 22 dissected corpses, 14 foetuses and 260 organs, shocks and disgusts in its attempt to educate and enlighten.

Some critics in London, where the exhibition is showing at the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre until May 31, have slammed Bodies as a freak show, arguing that dead humans should not be put on display to be gawked at by the masses.

But my advice for people who want to take the moral high ground and are busy reflecting on the fact that the corpse they are looking at was someone's child, parent, brother or sister should stay away.

For the rest, be prepared to be both disgusted and fascinated in what is one of the most talked about exhibitions of 2006.

The corpses are simply incredible close up. Reading about the make-up of your insides in a biology book at school is one thing but to see it first-hand shows you how remarkable the human body is.

They are preserved using a method known as polymer preservation or plastination. Firstly all the water from the body is removed and it is then placed into a liquid silicone mixture which rubberises the specimen.

The corpses are displayed in various poses including a basketball player, a beach volleyball player, an American football player, a runner, a footballer and a darts player.

One "unnerving" corpse shows a skull and spine with its web of nerves branching off, while another darkened room has several corpses' neon veins and arteries beaming brightly.

The exhibition also highlights the dangers of an unhealthy lifestyle, but anyone who didn't already know that smoking turns your lungs black or that a lack of exercise is unhealthy seriously needs to have a look at themselves and not just the corpses.

Organisers say the corpses were obtained from a medical university in China. Reports say they were "leased" for £12.5 million.

While I did not expect to be offended, overhearing members of the public making passing comments about the appearance of the men and women did sit a little uneasy with me.

But it was not until I entered the foetus room that I felt squeamish - a reaction that was totally unexpected, considering I had spent nights in ER wards in hospitals and reported horrific road accidents.

The 14 foetuses range from 5 weeks old to 32 weeks and I can't help but think it will make some people reflect on their views on abortion.

While the adult corpses were donated by people who apparently wanted to further medical knowledge, you have to wonder what rights were afforded these unborn babies - that is if they have any at all.

Stomach churning, I briefly passed through the final room of the exhibition which displays several more corpses in various positions, including one waving goodbye, and another one which had been diced up until into layers from head-to-toe.

Walking into the shop, where you can buy a key ring of your favourite body part, I was relieved the exhibition was over, but also grateful that I was walking away knowing a little more about myself.

Bodies - The Exhibition is showing at the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre until May 31.