Glimpses of the History of Physiology

Glimpses of the History of Physiology

• Physiology was coined by Jean François Fernel (1497-1558), from the Greek words physis (nature) and logos (science)

• 16th - mid-18th centuries: Physicians studied anatomy and its functions, including the functions of organs

• Haller (1708-1777) described physiology as "anatomy in motion"

• 19th century: Physiology became an independent science

• Precursors of physiology in antiquity: Limited interest in the human body's morphology in prehistoric times

• Mesopotamia: Cuneiform writings show medical knowledge, focusing on liver diagnosis and prognostics

• Ancient Egypt: "Ebers papyrus" shows understanding of breathing and circulatory system

• Ancient India: Interrelationship between human body, universe (5 elements - earth, water, fire, wind, space) and body components (solid structures, phlegm, bile, breath, cavities)

• Ancient China: Doctor Shun-Yu correlated 5 viscera with 5 colors, 5 organs, 5 planets, 5 elements, and 5 tastes

• Ancient Greece: Early thinkers of Miletus (Thales, Anaximenes, Heraclitus) focused on natural phenomena transformation

• Ancient Greece(Pythagoras): Matter is a conglomeration of elements in an empty field

• Ancient Greece: Anaximander, Anaxagoras considered the primordial principle ("apeiron").

• Ancient Greece(Hippocrates): Four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile) and vital spirit.

• Ancient Greece (Aristotle): 5 Elements (water, air, fire, earth, celestial). The heart is the most important organ; pulse is heartbeat; described vessels ( arteries and veins). Brain as a cold organ.

• Ancient Greece(Erasistratus): Correct understanding of blood circulation, veins connect to the heart; function of epiglottis, role of kidneys and bladder, blood circulation and diaphragm

• Ancient Rome (Galen): 129 - 201 AD; Extensive work on physiology; nerves originate from brain and spinal cord; heart as the central organ; described role of intercostals muscles in breathing; four humors and phlegm.

• Renaissance: Advances in anatomy and physiology in the 15th and 16th centuries led to the development of physiology as a separate science.

Explore the fascinating evolution of physiology from antiquity to the 19th century in this quiz designed for medical students. Learn about the key figures, discoveries, and ancient civilizations that contributed to our understanding of the human body. Perfect for students at the Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy.