title: The development of spinal cord anatomy.
abstract: A panel illustrating spinal cord injury in The Dying Lioness in the British Museum dates to 650 BC. This paper outlines the subsequent progression of knowledge of the anatomy of the spinal cord. The animal dissections of Galen are considered because his deductions persisted through the Dark Ages until the late 18th century. Anatomy advanced gradually to yield discoveries of the complex tracts and grey matter elements of the cord and their functions. Amongst many distinguished exponents, the works of Blasius, Huber, Vicq d'Azyr and Stilling are emphasised.
authors.affiliation: Emeritus Consultant Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK.
authors.forename: J M S
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pearce
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000266:history*; D000717:Anatomy, Comparative / Q000266:history; D000818:Animals; D005060:Europe; D006115:Greece; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000266:history* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology