Why are so many body parts named after men? | ABC Radio National

Key Concepts:

• Etymology of "vagina"
• Gender bias in anatomical nomenclature
• Fallopian tubes
• Bundle of His
• Hunter's Canal
• Eugenics
• Ethical concerns in anatomical naming
• Advocacy for technical anatomical terms

Gender Bias in Anatomical Nomenclature

The video highlights a significant gender disparity in the naming of human body parts. The word "vagina" originates from the Latin term for "sheath," illustrating how even fundamental anatomical terms can be rooted in male-centric perspectives. A study of 700 name-based body parts revealed that only one is named after a woman: the Nitabuch layer, located between the uterus and placenta, named after Russian pathologist Ray Seritbach. This stark contrast underscores the historical dominance of men in the field of anatomy and their influence on how we describe the human body.

Examples of Male-Named Reproductive Anatomy

The video provides several examples of female reproductive parts named after men. The fallopian tubes are named after 16th-century Italian anatomist Gabriela Felopio. The G-spot and various vaginal glands are also named after men. This practice raises questions about the representation and recognition of women's contributions to science and medicine.

Problematic Backgrounds of Anatomists

The video delves into the problematic backgrounds of some anatomists whose names are associated with body parts. The bundle of His in the heart is named after Swiss-born anatomist Wilhelm His Jr., who was an advocate of eugenics. Eugenics is described as a pseudoscience focused on cleansing the gene pool to create a genetically superior race. The video notes that the Nazis later used eugenics to justify murder and genocide. The Hunter Canal in the thigh is named after Scottish surgeon John Hunter, who had a habit of stealing human bodies. These examples raise ethical concerns about honoring individuals with questionable pasts through anatomical nomenclature.

Advocacy for Technical Anatomical Terms

The video mentions that some doctors are advocating for a shift away from using men's names and towards using technical anatomical terms instead. This push is driven by a desire to remove gender bias and avoid perpetuating the legacy of individuals with problematic histories. The video concludes by asking viewers for their opinions on this proposed change.