A comparison of the anatomical terminology in the last 25 years

Introduction: Anatomical terminology forms the basis of communication in all health sciences. The terminology has been changing continuously since the 19th century, in accordance with the scientific innovations and clinical requirements. Methods: In this study, the changes in anatomical terminology observed over the past 25 years were examined. The changes in anatomical terminology in Nomina Anatomica (1989), the Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology list (1996) and Terminologia Anatomica (1998) were assessed. Results: Comparisons revealed that 129 terms were removed from the terminology and 1359 terms were added from Nomina Anatomica to Terminologia Anatomica. Furthermore, 196 of these terms were added from the FCAT list. In addition, grammatical changes were made in 563 terms over the past 25 years. Discussion: Many terms were added or replaced in accordance with scientific innovations and clinical needs. As a result of these innovations, we can conclude that the anatomical terminology is growing larger day by day; these recently added terms are bringing a new scientific approach to anatomy. (C) 2017 Anatomical Society of India. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.