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Who discovered the sylvian fissure?
Massimo Collice1, Rosa Collice, Alessandro Riva
1Department of Neurosurgery, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy. massimo.collice@ospedaleniguarda.it
The lateral fissure, or Sylvian fissure, was first identified in 1600 by Fabrici d'Acquapendente, not Sylvius. His detailed anatomical plates accurately depicted this cerebral landmark and temporal convolutions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroanatomy
- History of Medicine
- Anatomical Iconography
Background:
- The Sylvian fissure, a prominent cerebral sulcus, was historically attributed to Sylvius.
- Previous accounts suggest Caspar Bartholin described the fissure, attributing it to Sylvius.
Observation:
- Caspar Bartholin died before Sylvius began medical studies, casting doubt on his role in the fissure's description.
- Fabrici d'Acquapendente's 1600 anatomical plates (Tabulae Pictae) clearly depict the lateral fissure and temporal convolutions.
Findings:
- Fabrici d'Acquapendente should be credited with the initial identification of the lateral fissure, predating Sylvius by 40 years.
- The Tabulae Pictae, rediscovered in 1909, represent a significant achievement in anatomical illustration.
Implications:
- Revises the historical understanding of the Sylvian fissure's discovery.
- Highlights the importance of Fabrici d'Acquapendente's anatomical illustrations and their rediscovery.
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