Luigi Cofone; Mauro Vaccarezza; Francesco Maria Galassi; Ivano Pindinello; Marco Artico & Veronica Papa

Marie François Xavier Bichat (1771–1802) remains one of the foundational figures in anatomy and physiology. Without the use of microscopy, he pioneered the concept that tissues, rather than organs, constitute the primary structural units of the human body. His empirical and methodical approach laid the groundwork for histology and pathological anatomy. This paper reviews Bichat’s life, major works, and his enduring influence on modern medical science.

KEY WORDS: Xavier Bichat; Tissue theory; Histology; Pathological anatomy; Medical history; 18th-century medicine; Empirical observation; Anatomy and physiology.

COFONE, L.; VACCAREZZA, M.; GALASSI, F. M.; PINDINELLO, I.; ARTICO, M. & PAPA, V. Xavier Bichat (1771-1802): Architect of modern histology. Int. J. Morphol., 43(5):1767-1770, 2025.