The most ancient sources of anatomic knowledge

Anatomy is one of the oldest fields of medicine. Knowledge of the structure and function of the human body has been acquired gradually, even laboriously, over the centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the simplest, often casual observations performed on human and animal organisms. Exploring the secrets of the structure and function of human and other organisms' bodies has a long-lasting tradition. The aim of this paper is presentation of the original, most ancient sources of anatomical knowledge. The circumstances in which the ancients had the opportunity to learn about the structure of the body of animals and humans included: hunting and killing animals for food; magical and divination rituals, during which the internal organs of animals were used; religious ceremonies in which animal sacrifices were made to deities; the process of embalming corpses, which, according to beliefs held in some civilizations, made possible an afterlife in the underworld (abode of the dead); and battles fought with wild animals or enemies, during which extensive open wounds were sustained, allowing limited insight into the body's interior and composition. Exploring human and other organisms' body structure and function has a long-lasting tradition. The origins of exploring anatomical knowledge date back to ancient times. •Anatomy is one of the oldest disciplines of medicine.•A long-lasting tradition of exploring anatomical knowledge was highlighted.•The most ancient sources of anatomical knowledge were discussed.