Session 05: Biomed

8:00 – 9:00 am

1 CEU: Biomed, Supported by the Vesalius Trust Robert J. Demarest Fund

Use of Etymology to Better Understand Anatomical Terminology

Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the historical development of its meaning. Understanding the meaning of anatomical terminology makes far more sense than memorizing a disconnected term, and make it possible to appreciate many of the related terms. Learning basic root words in an anatomical term, with an appreciation of the long list of characters who have applied them for centuries, will facilitate the use and application of Anatomical Terminology. Perhaps the incorporation of etymology might also spread the interest and information about anatomical terminology to students, doctors, nurses, and all health care professionals.

Session Takeaways:

  1. Understand the derivation and meaning of some anatomical terminology to better understand the term, the structure, and many of the related terms.
  2. Learn to apply etymology to facilitate the use and application of Anatomical Terminology.

Tony Weinhaus, PhD

Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Director, Program in Human Anatomy, University of Minnesota

Dr. Weinhaus is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrated Biology and Physiology at the University of Minnesota. He is the Director of the Program in Human Anatomy Education. This includes the Course Director of the Gross Anatomy & Embryology course for medical students, and Principles of Human Anatomy course for pre-professional students

Dr. Weinhaus received his Ph.D. in Cellular Physiology from the University of Sydney, Australia and did post-doctoral training in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Developmental Biology in the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Current research involves a varied number of projects in Gross Anatomy. These include investigation of Anatomic variations, developing novel dissection protocols, examination of student learning in the anatomy laboratory, and tools to facilitate the teaching of anatomy for all students.