Otological Comparison of Two Master Anatomists

In his brilliant anatomical text, De humani corporis fabrica (1543), Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564) revolutionized the study of gross anatomy. He identified and named structures heretofore unknown, including the malleus and incus, which he referred to as the hammer and anvil. However, his work on the ear was not as thorough or as complete as that he did for other organs. A contemporary of Vesalius, Bartholomeus Eustachius' (ca. 1510/1520-1574) anatomical skill and investigative policy were best indicated in his study of the most inaccessible anatomical structures in the body, such as the auditory tube. He was the first to accurately identify and describe several important structures of the ear.

In this video, Dr. Pappas compares the ear investigations of these two master anatomists. Click here to view the full video.