An entire universe of the Roman world's architecture found in the human skull

J Hist Neurosci. 2017 Jan-Mar;26(1):88-100. doi: 10.1080/0964704X.2015.1099382. Epub 2015 Nov 19.

Abstract

Today's neuroanatomical terminology has its origins in the Romans' way of life, in their civil and military house architecture, as well as in the fields of engineering and technology. Despite the fact that they did not know how the nervous system worked and what the role of each neuroanatomic structure was, over time, especially in Renaissance and early modern times, the anatomists sought descriptive names for the nervous structures they have identified by way of similarity with some ancient items. This study aims to briefly review the influence of Roman architecture, engineering, and technology on neuroanatomic nomenclature, the precursor of modern neuroanatomical terminology.

Keywords: History of neuroanatomy; Roman architecture; Terminologia Anatomica; anatomists.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Anatomists / history
  • History, 16th Century
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Medical Illustration / history
  • Nervous System / anatomy & histology
  • Neuroanatomy / history*
  • Roman World / history*
  • Skull*
  • Terminology as Topic*