Greek anatomical nomenclature: the urgent need for evidence-based standardization

Greek has shaped anatomical terminology for over two millennia, providing much of the lexical foundation of the Terminologia Anatomica. Despite this profound legacy, modern Greek anatomical nomenclature remains only partially aligned with the latest Terminologia Anatomica 2, characterized by outdated expressions, multiple synonyms, and inconsistent adoption in medical education and clinical practice. In contrast, countries with coordinated, evidence-based national standards achieve greater clarity and enhance clinical safety. In Greece, the persistence of obsolete or ambiguous terms creates academic barriers and poses clinical risks, including misinterpretation of diagnostic findings and surgical errors. This review traces the historical contribution of Greek to international nomenclature, evaluates the current state of Greek anatomical terminology, and uses global examples to propose a plan for modernization. Key recommendations include forming a national multidisciplinary committee, systematically cross-mapping Greek terms to Terminologia Anatomica 2, standardizing terminology in education and licensing, and creating a multilingual open-access database. These efforts would preserve Greece's linguistic heritage while ensuring accuracy, clarity, and international compatibility in modern medical communication.