Research Article

Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge

Volume: 15 Number: 1 January 31, 2025
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Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge

Abstract

Objective: This study examines Avicenna’s knowledge of dental anatomy and compares it with modern dental anatomy. The aim is to identify similarities and differences between ancient and contemporary understandings of dental structure. Materials and Methods: The original Arabic text of Canon of Medicine (القانون في الطب) and its English translation (1973, AMS Press) were used. Additionally, the Turkish translation of Tahbiz al-Mathun, a commentary on Canon by Tokadī Mustafa Efendi, was referenced. The dental anatomy sections from the first book and the basic anatomy of the mouth and tongue from the third book were analyzed, translated, and compared across the Arabic, English, and Turkish versions. Results: Despite some differences, Avicenna’s dental and oral anatomy descriptions largely align with modern knowledge. The sutures and structures of the jaw bones are similar, and Avicenna notes that teeth can sense temperature, a concept consistent with the contemporary understanding of dental nerves. However, his descriptions of the nerves and their functions do not fully match current anatomical knowledge. The arteries and veins of the mouth, as described by Avicenna, generally align with today’s anatomical understanding. Conclusion: The study reveals both agreement and discrepancies between Avicenna's dental anatomy and modern knowledge. While his insights into specific structures and functions are accurate, his explanations of nerve pathways and muscle anatomy require further clarification. This work emphasizes the importance of integrating ancient medical knowledge with modern scientific understanding, providing a foundation for future research in the history of medicine.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

not applicable

References

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  5. 5. Tokadî Mustafa Efendi. Tahbîzu’l-Mathûn: El-Kânûn Fi’t-Tıb Tercümesi. Vol 1. cilt. Türkiye Yazma Eserler Kurumu; 2018.
  6. 6. Ebu Ali Hüseyin bin Ali İbn Sina. El-Kânûn Fit-Tıbb. Vol 1. Cilt. (El-Kaş İdvar, Zey’ur Ali, eds.). Müessesetu İzzeddin; 1993.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Historical Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

January 30, 2025

Publication Date

January 31, 2025

Submission Date

November 15, 2024

Acceptance Date

January 1, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 15 Number: 1

APA
Karip, B., Topçu, İ., & Ayhün, H. S. (2025). Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge. Lokman Hekim Dergisi, 15(1), 175-182. https://doi.org/10.31020/mutftd.1585400
AMA
1.Karip B, Topçu İ, Ayhün HS. Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge. Lokman Hekim Dergisi. 2025;15(1):175-182. doi:10.31020/mutftd.1585400
Chicago
Karip, Burak, İbrahim Topçu, and Hatice Sena Ayhün. 2025. “Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights With Modern Knowledge”. Lokman Hekim Dergisi 15 (1): 175-82. https://doi.org/10.31020/mutftd.1585400.
EndNote
Karip B, Topçu İ, Ayhün HS (January 1, 2025) Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge. Lokman Hekim Dergisi 15 1 175–182.
IEEE
[1]B. Karip, İ. Topçu, and H. S. Ayhün, “Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge”, Lokman Hekim Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 175–182, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.31020/mutftd.1585400.
ISNAD
Karip, Burak - Topçu, İbrahim - Ayhün, Hatice Sena. “Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights With Modern Knowledge”. Lokman Hekim Dergisi 15/1 (January 1, 2025): 175-182. https://doi.org/10.31020/mutftd.1585400.
JAMA
1.Karip B, Topçu İ, Ayhün HS. Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge. Lokman Hekim Dergisi. 2025;15:175–182.
MLA
Karip, Burak, et al. “Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights With Modern Knowledge”. Lokman Hekim Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 1, Jan. 2025, pp. 175-82, doi:10.31020/mutftd.1585400.
Vancouver
1.Burak Karip, İbrahim Topçu, Hatice Sena Ayhün. Avicenna’s Dental Anatomy: Bridging Ancient Insights with Modern Knowledge. Lokman Hekim Dergisi. 2025 Jan. 1;15(1):175-82. doi:10.31020/mutftd.1585400

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                                                                  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

  

                                    Periodical scientific publication of Mersin University School of Medicine. Can not be cited without referenceResponsibility of the articles belong to the authors

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Mersin Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Tıp Tarihi ve Etik Anabilim Dalı Çiftlikköy Kampüsü

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