Anatomy can be defined as the study of the structure of the human body. Physiology is the study of the bodily functions of living organisms. Anatomy like any other science requires multiple sources of evidence in order for something to be declared as "true." Furthermore, like any other science anatomy benefits from collaboration. Collaboration allows one to get another mind to get a look on an idea and provides a fresh point of view. Without a second scientist to provide another opinion there is no one to prove a theory wrong when it is incorrect and the wrong ideas will be taken as fact. However, what is taken as fact is subject to change if new evidence presents itself. The study of anatomy dates back as far 1600 BC in Ancient Egypt with the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus. The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus was a document, which detailed 48 cases of injuries. The document recognizes, the heart, liver, kidneys, hypothalamus, uterus, and bladder. It was discovered that the heart supplied the blood to the rest of the body via veins. The Egyptians were the first to discover the function of the lymphatic system. The functions of kidneys were not yet known. Ancient Greek scientists made more progress in this field. The scientist Alcmaeon made many discoveries in anatomical science from his dissections of animals. King Ptolemy I Soter was the first to allow the use of dead bodies for the medical purposes for discovering the operations of the human body. Most of the cadavers used were the bodies of executed criminals. In the second century, Galen uncovered many truths of anatomy through vivisection. Vivisection is surgery conducted on a living animal. Furthermore, Galen served as a doctor for gladiators. Through this Galen was able to make observations without conducting any experiments on humans.
During the Renaissance period, Leonardo da Vinci studied anatomy by observing and dissecting over 30 cadavers. Hospitals in Italy permitted him to study the corpses of patients. He displayed his anatomical knowledge in his artwork of the skeleton, skin, muscles, and other visible features. However, the Pope halted his studies. In the 17th century, Andreas Vesalius utilized the invention of the printing press and published the first essays on anatomy. Vesalius breathed new life into the field of anatomy. He demonstrated the inaccuracies in the works of previous scientists theories on anatomy. In the past before human bodies were available to be observed what was true for apes and other animals was thought to be true for humans as well. Vesalius disproved such beliefs. Vesalius then decided to examine corpses for himself and build new theories with evidence that he has gained.
During the Renaissance period, Leonardo da Vinci studied anatomy by observing and dissecting over 30 cadavers. Hospitals in Italy permitted him to study the corpses of patients. He displayed his anatomical knowledge in his artwork of the skeleton, skin, muscles, and other visible features. However, the Pope halted his studies. In the 17th century, Andreas Vesalius utilized the invention of the printing press and published the first essays on anatomy. Vesalius breathed new life into the field of anatomy. He demonstrated the inaccuracies in the works of previous scientists theories on anatomy. In the past before human bodies were available to be observed what was true for apes and other animals was thought to be true for humans as well. Vesalius disproved such beliefs. Vesalius then decided to examine corpses for himself and build new theories with evidence that he has gained.
Works Cited
"Historical Anatomies on the Web: Browse Titles." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 08 June 2012. Web. 09 Sept. 2014.
"History of Anatomy." Princeton University. Princeton University, n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2014.
"Historical Anatomies on the Web: Browse Titles." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 08 June 2012. Web. 09 Sept. 2014.
"History of Anatomy." Princeton University. Princeton University, n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2014.