Medical Student Y3 University of Texas Medical Branch Galvetson, TX, US
Introduction: The Renaissance is considered one of the most revolutionary periods in history, and advancements made in the field of neurosurgery were no exception. These scientific advancements were often made by prominent artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, whose study of science and anatomy became better known after their death. His series of drawings of the skull show the first accurate depictions of the anterior and middle meningeal arteries. He was the first scientist to describe the S-shape of the spine, accurately depicting the vertebrae and its articulations, and accurately depicting the ventricles. Although Da Vinci is the most widely recognized neuroanatomist artist of the time, other prominent artists such as Michelangelo and Raffaelo are theorized to have an advanced understanding of neuroanatomy. Both artists are theorized to have hidden images of the brain into some of their most famous paintings.
Berengario de Carpi was another prominent physician tasked with saving the life of the Duke of Urbino after a significant blow to the occiput. The experimental but successful surgery that removed the broken skull fragments inspired him to write a treatise describing skull fractures. His influential book became the first of its kind detailing neuroanatomy. Another prominent surgeon was Gabriel Ferrara whose treatise is known for its chapter on nerve suturing, which provided the first detailed instructions on suturing peripheral nerves. Hieronymous Fabricus was a surgeon and anatomist who was one of the first to describe cranial nerves and their functions. The extreme creativity of artists and surgeons of the Renaissance era led to quantum leaps in advancements in neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and surgical techniques. Similarly the current interdisciplinary approaches incorporating new technology and AI is equivalent to a modern renaissance of neurosurgery with many treatments evolving that could significantly improve quality of life in previously unimaginable ways.
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