Carlos Alberto Mandarim-de-Lacerda

The development of anatomy as a scientific discipline spans thousands of years, evolving from ancient practices to today’s advanced technologies. This abstract outlines the historical progression of anatomical knowledge, starting with early contributions from ancient civilizations such as India, Egypt, and Greece. The Edwin Smith Papyrus (1600 BCE) and Charak (300 BCE) provided foundational insights, while Greek scholars like Hippocrates, Aristotle, and Galen advanced systematic anatomical studies. However, some of their ideas were later found to be inaccurate. Galen’s theories dominated Western medicine for over a millennium until the Renaissance when anatomists like Andreas Vesalius challenged traditional views through detailed human dissections, documented in his groundbreaking work ‘De Humani Corporis Fabrica’ (1543). During the Islamic Golden Age, scholars such as Ibn al-Nafis (1213-1288) made significant contributions, including the first description of pulmonary circulation, refining earlier theories. The 16th to 18th centuries marked a transformative era for anatomy, fueled by the invention of the printing press and the work of pioneers like William Harvey, who demonstrated blood circulation. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci also played a key role, blending art and science through detailed anatomical illustrations. The 19th century saw the systematization of anatomical knowledge, with discoveries such as the cardiac conduction system by Purkinje, His, Keith, Flack, and Tawara. Modern anatomy, supported by technological advancements, has expanded into fields like histology, molecular biology, and stem cell research, leading to breakthroughs in understanding organ function and treating congenital diseases. While human anatomy is now well-documented, ongoing research explores nonhuman anatomy and unresolved questions, such as the role of stem cells in cardiovascular therapy. Anatomy remains a cornerstone of medical science, continuously evolving through interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation.

KEY WORDS: History; Middle Ages; Anatomy; Dissection; Plastination.

MANDARIM-DE-LACERDA, C. A. Two millennia of anatomical discovery: Shaping the evolution of medicine. Int. J. Morphol., 43(3):891- 900, 2025.