History of Anatomy

As Early As Stone Age

Early evidences of the study of anatomy dates back as early as the Stone Age. Cave paintings were made (about 30,000 years ago) depicting simple knowledge of the anatomy of animals. It is assumed that these cave dwellers utilized some of their anatomical understanding of their bodies^[3].

Around 5th Century B.C.E

Greek scientists Alcmaeon and Empedocles started the systematic anatomy study. Alcmaeon was the first person to perform human body dissection and the first to propose that the brain is the center of intelligence. Empedocles, on the other hand, coined the word "pneuma" which he believed is the "life and soul" flowing through the blood vessels^[3].

Hippocrates was hailed as the "Father of Medicine". He gathered data and conducted experiments to show that disease was a natural process. He also showed that the symptoms of a disease were caused by the natural reactions of the body to the disease process^[4].

Aristotle was hailed as the "Father of Comparative Anatomy and Physiology". However, being more of a philosopher than a physician, he believed that the brain cooled the heart by secreting “phlegm”, and that the arteries contained only air. Future discoveries debunked this theory of Aristotle.

During 3rd Century B.C.E

In Alexandria, Erasistratus and Herophilus made the first scientific studies designed to discover the workings of human anatomy as they were the first to practice human vivisection or the dissection of convicted criminals.^[11]

During 200 A.D

Galen's knowledge of anatomy greatly improved from his experience of treating wounded gladiators. His contributions in the field include the discovery that arteries carry liquid blood rather than gaseous air as formerly thought, identification of the of 7 of the 12 cranial nerves , evidence that urine is formed in the kidney, not in the bladder, and the successful removal of a cataract from a patient's eye.^[5]

From 8th Century to 14th Century

The search for new knowledge became temporarily stagnant.

The prevailing mood during these periods was not conducive for scientific study and discovery as it centered much on the Christian principles that God knows best, and so He should – since He created everything.^[6]

During the 15th Century

Leonardo da Vinci made crude sketches showing various parts of the human body. Such were sketches of the eye, optic nerves, and the brain. He also made a very close picture of an unborn baby in the womb with the correct attachment by the umbilical cord.

This period marked the "rebirth" of an empirical study of anatomy. Andreas Vesalius wrote the “De humani corporis fabrica” (On the Structure of the Human Body) which challenged traditional knowledge of human anatomy. This book was the first accurate description of the human body’s interior.

Vesalius' contribution was instrumental in overcoming the Catholic church’s authority. For the first time, anatomy was viewed objectively, and the inaccuracies in some of Galen's theories were exposed. Unfortunately, scientists and anatomists originally criticized Vesalius’s ideas because they challenged Galen and others.

Because of his contributions, Vesalius became the “Father of Modern Anatomy“.

William Harvey wrote Exercitatio anatomica de motu cordis et sanguinis in animalibus (translated as Anatomical Exercises on the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals by Dr. A. Bowie). In this work, he described the circulation of the blood.^[7]

Mid-17th Century

The study of human anatomy vastly improved with the invention of the compound microscope by Robert Hooke.^[9] The viewing of cell structures and physiological processes were no longer limited to the naked eye.

During the 18th Century

Dissection became a recognized punishment, a fate worse than death to be added to hanging for the worst criminals. The dissections performed on hanged bodies were public. Part of the punishment includes the delivery of the criminal to the surgeons at the scaffolds before public execution. A public exhibition of the open body will then follow.^[8]

Sir Henry Gray published his book "Anatomy Descriptive and Surgical", a book that revealed the depths of human anatomy to the world. At present, his book, which is more commonly known as "Gray's Anatomy," is still the basis for most medical students.

During the early 19th Century

The study of the anatomy of humans and animals further improved with the advancement of histology and developmental biology.

The idea of “anatomy theatre” arose. This permitted the observation of dissection performed in “theatres” by everyone regardless of gender and class in society.

Then comes the 20th Century

The further advances in radiological techniques in the twentieth century have permitted researchers to make remarkable connections between anatomy and physiology. This also has allowed them to integrate and relate the study of anatomy with other disciplines, such as genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics.

Going far beyond microscopy and x-rays, easy access to advanced technology such as PET and CAT scanners and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) permits physicians and scientists to have a glimpse of what is inside the body without performing surgery or even dissection.