The Czech contribution to the human anatomy: A focus on Charles University

Abstract

This article offers a concise overview of the history of the study of anatomy and dissection in the Czech lands, now known as the Czech Republic, from the founding of Charles University in 1348 to the present day. The article traces this history in the context of the political changes that occurred over six hundred and seventy-two years, giving emphasis to the history of Prague's anatomy departments, its leading anatomists and their discoveries, and historically important anatomical texts published or written in Prague. The article documents the significant contribution to anatomy made in the Czech lands, especially in the nineteenth century and during the calmer periods of the region's turbulent political history.

Keywords: Anatomy; Charles University; Czech morphology; Histology; History; Prague.