Veeartsenykundige anatomie : 'n historiese oorsig

Abstract

VETERINARY ANATOMY: A HISTORICAL REVIEW SUMMARY Veterinary anatomy has, since its inception, been intimately associated with medicine, and can thus not be viewed independently from human anatomy. The anatomy of Antiquity (500 BC - 500 AD) was characterised by superficial descriptions of structures. Because the dissection of human cadavers was banned for certain periods, animals were used as dissection models and the resulting information was simply applied to humans. In this fashion numerous inaccuracies and misconceptions were created which survived for the next 1200 years. The Dark Ages (500-100 AD) in Europe were characterised by a total stagnation of science, but medical texts were fortunately preserved in the Arabic countries. These manuscripts were translated from ancient Greek into Latin during the Middle Ages (100-1350 AD) and resulted in a scientific resurgence in Europe. The first medical schools were established towards the end of the Middle Ages. The Renaissance (1350-1600AD) witnessed a phenominal scientific revival. Public dissections of man and animals were employed to teach and study anatomy. A critical comparison of this information with the antique manuscripts led to the correction of many existing inaccuracies. During the 17th century anatomy shifted from public platforms to the laboratory, societies of natural science were founded to promote scientific investigation, and the development of the microscope added a new dimension to the study of anatomy. The inability of 18th century practitioners to control animal diseases led to the creation of veterinary schools in Europe, an act which prompted the rapid advance of veterinary anatomy, the establishment of anatomical societies, and the publication of important anatomical texts. This rapid progress and improved sophistication was maintained in the 20th century with the development of the electron microscope and histochemical and immunocytological techniques.