The exhibit uses real human specimens to explain the health and vulnerability of the body.

Opening next month at the Science Museum of Minnesota is an exhibit about the human body that has proven a huge hit across the globe.

The St. Paul museum has announced the critically acclaimed Body Worlds Rx exhibition will open for a 12-week run on Friday, Oct. 4.

The exhibition uses real human specimens – yes, real cadavers – that have been plasticized so as to be preserved.

The specimens are then used to "demonstrate the complexity, resilience, and vulnerability of the human body in distress, disease, and optimal health."

It will show examples of more than 100 plastinated human bodies, some of which will show healthy and diseased organs side-by-side to show the difference.

"Body World Rx human body exhibit gives us a better understanding of diseases and illnesses that may affect us or someone we know such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, arthritis, and obesity," the Science Museum says.

Since launching, the traveling exhibit has been visited by more than 48 million people in over 140 cities across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

The Science Museum says it's up to families to decide whether it's appropriate for their children to attend.

Those concerned about this can download a family guide on this page. The guide also has details on the plastination process.

Omnitheater to return better than ever

Also this fall, the massive 3M Omnitheater will re-open at the Science Museum after a renovation that's turned it into only the third "IMAX digital laser dome theater in the world."

The revamp will offer visitors "new crispness, clarity, color, and sound quality that will make the Omnitheater experience even more extraordinary."

It debuts on Oct. 17 with the premiere of "Superpower Dogs," which introduces views to six real-life working dogs braving earthquakes, avalanches and much more.