Royal Society of Medicine

The study of human anatomy has long served as a nexus of scientific inquiry, cultural practice, and political contestation. This introductory chapter synthesizes 12 pivotal studies spanning five centuries of anatomical pedagogy, revealing three enduring tensions: the ethics of bodily knowledge, the mediation between art and science, and the politics of inclusion and exclusion. From Renaissance dissection theatres to modern virtual reality labs, anatomical teaching has mirrored and reinforced societal power structures, often at the expense of marginalized communities. The chapter explores how figures such as Vesalius relied on executed criminals, how nineteenth-century resurrectionists exploited the poor, and how contemporary plastination and virtual reality technologies introduce new ethical dilemmas.It also examines the intersection of art and science through wax models, pathological illustrations, and medical imaging, highlighting how representation shapes perception. In addition, the chapter critiques anatomy's role in colonialism, professional hierarchies, and social policy, exemplified by racialized skull collections and an anatomical approach to welfare reform. By analyzing these historical and modern case studies, it is argued that progress in anatomical education must reckon with its exploitative past and embrace inclusive, ethical frameworks. The conclusion calls for decolonizing anatomical collections, ensuring transparency in modern practices, and prioritizing pedagogical approaches that honor human diversity and dignity.

Charles Averill (1796-1830) was a Cheltenham surgeon who wrote one of the early textbooks for medical students promoting the increased use of human dissection to specifically improve the surgical techniques of the time. The success of this new type of medical text led to three editions being printed both in Britain, North America and Europe. Whilst holding the post of Surgeon at the Cheltenham Dispensary, he also became the first joint curator of the anatomy museum and published a design for the first modern operating table. Having been trained by Sir Astley Cooper, the two surgeons retained a strong professional connection until Averill's tragic fall from a horse at the age of 33. Averill and his achievements remain absent from medical history due to the very fragmented evidence that surrounds his short life.

Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (HAE-nC1-INH) is a rare and genetically heterogeneous disorder with an incomplete molecular understanding. This study aimed to identify novel genetic variants associated with HAE-nC1-INH, characterize their clinical manifestations, and evaluate real-world treatment responses. Whole-exome sequencing of 27 HAE patients, including eight with HAE-nC1-INH, identified four previously unreported MYOF variants and additional pathogenic variants in KNG1 and HS3ST6, expanding the genetic spectrum of the disease. MYOF variants were associated with recurrent edema episodes, often with prolonged duration. The HS3ST6 variant was linked to refractory angioedema with non-resolving lower extremity involvement, highlighting atypical, persistent clinical phenotypes beyond the classical self-limiting presentation of HAE. Lanadelumab effectively reduced attack frequency in most patients; however, the variability in treatment response, particularly in MYOF and HS3ST6 carriers, highlights the need for individualized therapeutic approaches. These findings provide new insights into the genetic and clinical complexity of HAE-nC1-INH and emphasize the importance of genetic testing in refining diagnosis and optimizing treatment strategies, contributing to a more precise understanding of hereditary angioedema.