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KMID : 1237720230560010025
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Anatomy & Cell Biology
2023 Volume.56 No. 1 p.25 ~ p.31
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Johannes Nathanael Lieberkuhn (1711-1756): luminary eighteenth century anatomist and his illuminating discovery of intestinal glands
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Ghosh Sanjib Kumar
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Abstract
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Johannes Nathanael Lieberkuhn was a prodigious anatomist whose meticulous experiments and precise detailinghelped in comprehending the microscopic anatomy of digestive system during early part of eighteenth century. Notably, his inventions in the field of microscopy aptly complemented his quest for anatomical knowledge at microscopic level. He designed a reflector (Lieberkuhn reflector) which enhanced the amount of focussed light leading to bright illumination of tissue specimen. He invented the solar microscope which provided excellent resolution of minute anatomical details. Lieberkuhn discovered the digestive juice secreting tubular glands (glands of Lieberkuhn) present at the base of intestinal villi producing epithelial invaginations (crypts of Lieberkuhn). He also described the intricate juxtaposition of blood vessels in relation to a single intestinal villi. Moreover, through empirically designed experimental set up, Lieberkuhn was able to demonstrate the flow of lymph from intestinal villi to collecting lymphatic vessels. Also, his grandiose collection of laboratory specimens involving vascular anatomy are a testimony of his untiring efforts in academia. His contributions were seminal in comprehending the anatomy of digestive system and paved the way for future revelations. His work unveiled the enormous scope of microanatomy in medical science and catalysed the advent of histological staining methods a century later.
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KEYWORD
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Lieberkuhn, Microscope, Intestinal vill, Intestinal crypts, Intestinal glands, Vascular anatomy
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