The thymus gland in ancient Greek medicine
1Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. konstlaios@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The term thymus was used in ancient Greek medical literature to describe not only the thymus gland but also the warty excrescences found mainly in the genitals or the anus, but also over the entire body. Rufus of Ephesus (1st-2nd c. AD) gave the earliest anatomical description of this gland in humans, while Galen (1st-2nd c. AD) first described it in animals. However, the origins and meaning of this term have long mystified researchers. A careful investigation into its etymology together with the information derived from early anatomical descriptions has enabled us to propose a new interpretation of the origins of the name of the thymus gland.
More Related Videos
06:15Characterization of Thymus-dependent and Thymus-independent Immunoglobulin Isotype Responses in Mice Using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
Published on: September 7, 2018
06:18Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Exocrine Glands: Unicellular and Multicellular Glands
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
The Pituitary Gland
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
The Pineal Gland
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
The Mammary Glands
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
