title: The historical importance of the hand in advancing the study of human anatomy.
abstract: Anatomy is often considered the foundation of medical science and is basic to the education of health professionals. This report will attempt to summarize the history of anatomy from antiquity to modern times. In addition it will highlight the historical importance of the upper extremity and its relationship to the development of human anatomy as a recognized medical science.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UCLA Center for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Eon K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Roy A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Meals
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000266:history*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends; D006225:Hand / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional