On anatomy of nerves by galen of pergamon

Abstract

In this treatise Galen gives a synopsis of the description of the nerves contained in his long anatomical work "On Anatomical Procedures." He omits the olfactory nerves from the cranial group, considering them a part of the brain. Out of loyalty to his teacher, Marinos, he numbers seven cranial nerves but actually identifies ten, misconstruing the fourth, omitting the sixth, and describing all the others. The sympathetic is linked with the trigeminal but most parts of it are described. The spinal nerves and their plexuses are briefiy but quite accurately described. He leaves no doubt that he identified these nerves anatomically and understood much of their function.

Transitional Nerve: A New and Original Classification of a Peripheral Nerve Supported by the Nature of the Accessory Nerve (CN XI)

“…Galen (129–210), the early Greek physician, was the first to differentiate between nerves, ligaments, and tendons [15]. “When we say “nerve” we only mean that which springs from the brain or the spinal marrow…” [15].…”

“…“When we say “nerve” we only mean that which springs from the brain or the spinal marrow…” [15]. The original Greek wording used by Galen, “Enkephalon” or literally brain is used to describe the nerves originating within the brain or brainstem [15].…”

A history of the enumeration of the cranial nerves by European and British anatomists from the time of Galen to 1895, with comments on nomenclature

“…O n the other hand, Lind (1959) considers that Galen grouped the abducent nerve with the first pair (optic). Interpretation is not helped by a lack of illustrations in Galen's work, but Goss (1966) feels that he is unlikely to have overlooked the abducent, and therefore in Goss' opinion Galen counted it together with the trochlear, and the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal.…”

Communicating About Fascia: History, Pitfalls, and Recommendations

“…Confusion in the distinction between nerves and tendinous tissues (present even before Aristotelian times and sometimes lasting into post-Renaissance times) seems to have contributed. Galen, who was very aware of the morphologic and functional distinction between nerves and tendons, (21) used the term "aponeurosis" in two ways: for the tissues making the conversion of "muscle flesh" to tendon, and for the tendon itself.…”