Abstract
Tıp terminolojisi, kökenlerini antik çağlara dayandıran zengin bir geçmişe sahiptir. Özellikle Latince ve Yunanca dillerinden türetilen terimler, tıbbi terminolojinin temelini oluşturur. Tıbbi terminolojideki eponimlerin büyük bir kısmı, anatomi alanında yer almaktadır. Anatomik eponimler, genellikle Yunan mitolojisindeki karakterlerin isimlerinden türetilmiştir. Anatomik terminolojide mitolojik kökenli isimlendirmelerin kullanılmasının çeşitli faydaları bulunmaktadır. Örneğin, bu isimlendirmeler hafızada kalıcılığı arttırabilir ya da mitolojik bir hikayeyle ilişkilendirilen bir anatomik yapı, öğrenciler için daha anlamlı hale gelebilir. Ayrıca mitolojik isimlendirmeler, anatomik yapılar arasındaki ilişkileri görselleştirmeye yardımcı olabilir. Anatomik terminolojideki bu mitolojik kökenler, bazı sorunlara da yol açabilir. Farklı kültürlerden gelen kişiler için bu terimlerin anlamları ve çağrışımları farklı olabilir. Bu nedenle, anatomik terminolojinin güncellenmesi ve daha nötr terimlerin kullanılması gerektiği yönünde görüşler bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada en sıklıkla kullanılan anatomik mitonimler (aşil tendonu (tendo calcanei), arachnoidea mater, atlas, cupid’s bow (aşk tanrısının yayı), hippocampus ve Ammon'un boynuzu (cornu ammonis), hymen (kızlık zarı), iris, lymph, pterion, thalamus ve pulvinar thalami)’in etimolojik incelemeleri yapılmıştır. Tıp terminolojisindeki mitolojik kökenlerin bilinmesi, tıbbın tarihsel ve kültürel bağlamını anlamak için ve aynı zamanda tıp eğitiminde eğitimi kolaylaştırıcı bir faktör olması açısından önemlidir.
Keywords
References
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Abstract
Medical terminology has a rich history, deeply rooted in antiquity. Latin and Greek languages have significantly contributed to the foundation of medical terminology. A substantial proportion of eponyms within medical terminology, particularly in the field of anatomy, are derived from figures and concepts within Greek mythology. The utilization of mythological references in anatomical nomenclature offers several advantages. For instance, these references can enhance memorability or render an anatomical structure more comprehensible to students by associating it with a mythological narrative. Additionally, mythological nomenclature can help visualize relationships between anatomical structures. However, the use of mythological origins in anatomical terminology can also present certain challenges. The meanings and connotations of these terms may vary across different cultural contexts. Therefore, perspectives advocate for modernizing anatomical terminology and adopting more neutral terms. This study delves into the etymological origins of frequently encountered anatomical mytonyms, including the Achilles tendon (calcaneal tendon), arachnoid mater, atlas, Cupid's bow, hippocampus, hymen, iris, lymph, pterion, thalamus, and pulvinar. Understanding the mythological roots of medical terminology is crucial for comprehending the historical and cultural context of medicine, and it can also serve as a valuable tool in facilitating medical education.
Keywords
References
- 1. Okten AI. Mythology and neurosurgery. World Neurosurgery 2016;90:315–321. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2016.02.106
- 2. Nanda A, Filis A, Kalakoti P. Mythological and prehistorical origins of neurosurgery. World Neurosurgery 2016;89:568-573.
- 3. King KC, Hoffman JR. Myths and medicine. Western journal of medicine 2000;172(3):208.
- 4. Kucharz EJ. Medical eponyms of mythological origin. Acta Neophilologica 2017;19:20-42.
- 5. Karenberg A. The world of gods and the body of man: mythological origins of modern anatomical terms. Anatomy 2013;7(1):7-22
- 6. Anagnostopoulou S, Mavridis I. Achilles’ death: anatomical consideration regarding the most famous trauma of the Trojan War. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2013;74(3):946–947.
- 7. Rakic VS. Using the Literature to Understand Achilles’ Fate. Ostomy Wound Management 2016;62(5):38-42.
- 8. Klenerman L. The early history of tendo Achillis and its rupture. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2007;89:545–547.
- 9. Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology (FIPAT). Terminologia Anatomica. 2nd ed. FIPAT.library.dal.ca. Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology, 2019.
- 10. Sanan A, van Loveren HR. The arachnoid and the myth of Arachne. Neurosurgery 1999;45:152–155.
- 11. Hakan T. Atlas: A unique vertebra that takes its name from a Hemitheos in Greek Mythology, Atlas. WScJ 2010;3:212-214.
- 12. Laiho K, Kauppi M, Konttinen YT. Why Atlas, why not Heracles: reflections on the rheumatoid cervical spine. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2005;34(4):637–41.
- 13. Davies K. Cupid's Bow and Arrow: The Plague of Love. Canta Aeide: Journal of Classical Studies 2022;3(01):1-14.
- 14. Karakis I. Neuroscience and Greek mythology. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences 2019;28(1):1-22.
- 15. Woo PYM, et al. Gods and monsters: Greek mythology and Christian references in the neurosurgical lexicon. Surg Neurol Int 2022;13:67.
- 16. Iniesta I. On the origin of Ammon's horn. Neurología (English Edition) 2014; 29(8):490-496.
- 17. Hegazy AA, Al-Rukban MO. Hymen: facts and conceptions. Health 2012; 3: 109–115.
- 18. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Hymen". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Feb. 2018, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hymen-Greek-mythology. Accessed 2 May 2024.
- 19. Altay T, Couldwell WT. The frontotemporal (pterional) approach: an historical perspective. Neurosurgery 2012;71(2):481-492.
Details
| Primary Language | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Medical Education |
| Journal Section | Review |
| Authors | |
| Early Pub Date | May 28, 2025 |
| Publication Date | May 30, 2025 |
| Submission Date | February 19, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | March 26, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 15 Issue: 2 |
Cite
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Periodical scientific publication of Mersin University School of Medicine. Can not be cited without reference. Responsibility of the articles belong to the authors
Ayşegül Tuğuz
from composition of İlter Uzel named “Dioscorides and his Student
Address
Mersin Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Tıp Tarihi ve Etik Anabilim Dalı Çiftlikköy Kampüsü
Yenişehir / Mersin