Intellectual Engagement: History of Anatomy

Question 1

Contributions of Egyptians to anatomy and surgery

Answer 1

• developed a writing system
• craft of surgery passed to next gen
• wounds treated with willow
• mummification = anatomical knowledge
• embalming lead to knowing where organs were located
• new surgical instruments

Question 2

Herophilus Importance

Answer 2

• first to perform systemic dissection of the human body
• performed autopsies to characterize cause of disease
• nerves vs. blood vessels
• nerves conduct neural impulses
• Described salivary glands, liver, pancreas
• coined “duodenum”
• described rep system and anatomy of eye

Question 3

Aelius Galenus (130-201 AD) Contributions

Answer 3

• dissected great apes (barbary macaque)
• anatomy of trachea
• venous vs arterial blood
• ## investigated physiological activity

Question 4

Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564) Contributions

Answer 4

• Father of Modern Anatomy
• Eliminated Ostensor and Barber-surgeon
• used live models for demos
• taught med students at night, grave robbed

Question 5

First Public Dissection

Answer 5

• 1315 in Bologna
• Mondino de Luzzi
• Marked the return of teaching anatomy

Question 6

Roles of Barber-Surgeon, Ostensor, and Professor

Answer 6

Barber Surgeon performed the dissection, Ostensor pointed to the part of the body to be dissected, and the Professor who lectured

Question 7

Anatomical Theater Purpose and Time of Popularity

Answer 7

• to allow the public to view human dissection
• to teach large masses of students anatomy at the same time
• interest peaked in the 15th century due to revival of antique art and interest in naturalism
• Italian Renaissance art

Question 8

18th - 19th Century Grave Robbing (Why?) and Other Methods

Answer 8

• Murder Act was passed but did not supply enough bodies
• enhancement of anatomy was wanted, preservation of bodies was not yet known
• Killings (Burke and Hare), body snatching and poor, selling dead slave bodies, holocaust victims, unclaimed bodies