Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo has shared insights into her experience working on the long-running medical drama series — and it turns out that portraying a surgeon can be quite intense.

Pompeo, 55, is renowned for her role as Dr. Meredith Grey since the show began in 2005, continuing as the main character until her departure in 2023.

The actress recently reflected on her extensive time as Meredith during a new interview with Alex Cooper on a recent episode of Call Her Daddy, including all the gruesome behind-the-scenes experiences involved with playing a doctor.

Ellen Pompeo revealed the more gory aspects of playing Dr. Meredith Grey (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

It's well-known that playing a doctor on TV isn't the simplest of roles, given the volume of medical terminology you'd need to learn to perfect the character.

And it turns out that being a surgeon can also be quite gruesome.

Naturally, fake blood and anatomical props are standard on the Grey's Anatomy set, but it turns out that Pompeo also had to interact with the real deal.

When Cooper inquired about the 'grossest prop' she'd ever used, the actress revealed she had been handed 'real live organs' multiple times on set.

"Definitely real organs, real body parts," Pompeo responded. "It's gross, it's really gross."

But before you start feeling queasy, don't worry, as Pompeo was quick to clarify that they used animal organs, not human ones.

Which is still quite gross, though a bit more ethical and less Frankenstein-like than handing someone human organs.

Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

"We stopped using them in the later seasons," she continued. "But in the beginning, we used to use bovine intestines, cow hearts, cow livers, and cow brains.

"It's all really gross."

So remember, folks, next time you're watching an early episode of Grey's Anatomy and see a particularly bloody prop, it might just be the real thing.

Which is certainly enough to make you think twice before rewatching the series anytime soon.

Pompeo also shared why she chose to remain in the role of Meredith Grey for so long on the podcast, telling Cooper she was concerned she wouldn't have the same opportunities as she aged.

"So I thought – back then, 20 years ago – women at 40, it’s over. That’s a wrap, honey," the actress explained. "So I was like, ‘I better sign and I better do this because this is the most money I’m ever going to make, and the most opportunity I’m ever going to get."

Luckily for Pompeo, her career is still thriving, with the actress currently starring in Hulu's limited series Good American Family.

Let's just hope none of her future roles will require handling animal organs...