The world of gods and the body of man: mythological origins of modern anatomical terms

Abstract

A number of designations for human body structures derive from classical mythology. These eponyms in the vocabulary of macroscopic anatomy and teratology (e.g., Achilles tendon, Ammon’s horn, cyclopia and sirenomelia) have not been systematically investigated until now. This paper therefore provides an overview of this fringe component of anatomical vocabulary, analyzes the medical history of several terms and formulates hypotheses as to why such creative etymologies have come into being. In addition to relevant texts on ancient mythology and medicine, a range of anatomical textbooks from the early modern period will be analyzed. Between the 16th and the 20th centuries some 15 figures from Egyptian, Greek and Roman literature made their way into the nomenclature of the morphological sciences. Today a few of these expressions remain official anatomical terminology (e.g., atlas, hymen, iris) and can be encountered in clinical use (hermaphroditism, janiceps, satyr ear, Cupid’s bow) while others have been eliminated (nymphs, mount of Venus). The choice of these designations for anatomical structures has often been similarity of form or, less commonly, analogies in function. Classical eponyms have gained acceptance on account of their succinctness, conciseness and scholarly veneer. Finally, this vocabulary shares its origin with other relevant medical terminology. In anatomy classes mythological designations and their origins can serve as a point of departure for digressions into literary, art and medical history in order to provide an understanding of cultural traditions and enhance education.

Keywords

• anatomy/history
• ancient
• history
• medicine in art
• mythology
• terminology as topic

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