Perhaps one of the most exciting exhibitions to come to Dublin this year, The Human Body Exhibition, featuring more than 200 full and partial real human body specimens, makes its world debut at The Ambassador Theatre next month. This incredible exhibition showcases carefully dissected specimens to provide a view into the miraculous way the body functions and gives visitors the opportunity to see exactly what lies beneath their skin.

This exciting exhibition takes visitors on a life-changing journey through nine galleries highlighting the essential components of the human anatomy and illustrating the effects of smoking, obesity and other damage that can be caused by neglecting the body. Visitors will be able to compare a healthy lung with a black lung severely damaged by smoking, offering startling evidence of how an unhealthy lifestyle can significantly harm the body. The exhibition is designed to educate, encourage and enlighten attendees to understand the importance of smart lifestyle choices.

So by the sounds of it, if you've been trying to give up the fags, this could be the best encouragement you've ever had.

"We are excited to bring this fascinating new exhibition to Dublin," said Noel McHale of MCD. "The Human Body Exhibition delivers powerful messages on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and creates a unique and unforgettable experience for our residents and visitors."

So where do the body parts come from?

The specimens featured in The Human Body Exhibition were donated in accordance with Chinese law to the Dalian Hoffen Biotechnique Laboratory which engages in research and innovation of the Plastination technique, and produces, preserves and provides specimens to medical schools and the general public for educational purposes. The laboratory uses the Plastination technique to preserve the specimens. Through the Plastination process, human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone rubber that is treated and hardened. The end result is a rubberized specimen, preserved to the cellular level, showcasing the complexity of the body’s many bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs. The full-body specimens can take over a year to prepare. All specimens are treated with the utmost care and respect.

The Human Body Exhibition will open Thursday 02 February, 2012 at The Ambassador Theatre for a limited engagement. Tickets are on sale now.