title: Historical perspectives of thoracic anatomy.
abstract: The simultaneous fascination and revulsion that has existed over the ages regarding dissection of the human body continues to the present day. This article discusses the historical aspects of thoracic anatomy and focuses on several major themes, culminating with the work (contributions) of Vesalius.
authors.forename: Stanley C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Fell
authors.forename: F Griffith
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Pearson
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000266:history*; D004210:Dissection / Q000266:history*; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology*