Today, Terminologia Anatomica is a topic that generates great interest and debate in society. From its origins to its current impact, Terminologia Anatomica has been the object of study and reflection by experts and professionals in different fields. Throughout history, Terminologia Anatomica has played a fundamental role in the evolution of humanity, influencing the way we live, work and relate. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Terminologia Anatomica and its importance in today's world, analyzing its effects and possible implications for the future.
International standard on human anatomical terminology
The second edition was released online by FIPAT in 2019 and approved and adopted by the IFAA General Assembly in 2020. The latest errata is dated August 2021. It contains a total of 7112 numbered terms (1-7113 skipping 2590), with some terms repeated.
Adoption and reception
A 2014 survey of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists found that the TA preferred term had the highest frequency of usage in only 53% of the 25 anatomical terms surveyed, and was highest or second-highest for 92% of terms. 75% of respondents were unfamiliar with FIPAT and TA.
In a panel at the 2022 International Federation of Associations of Anatomists Congress, one author stated "the Terminologia Anatomica generally receives no attention in medical terminology courses", but stressed its importance. The TA is not well established in other languages, such as French. The English equivalent names are often inconsistent if viewed as translations of the accompanying Latin phrases.
The Terminologia Anatomica specifically excludes eponyms, as they were determined to "give absolutely no anatomical information about the named structure, and vary considerably between countries and cultures". In a 2023 study of eight gynecologic eponyms, the TA term was preferred in two cases, and showed a significant trend towards TA adoption in three others, leaving three non-TA terms likely to remain in common use.
Categories of anatomical structures
Terminologia Anatomica is divided into 16 chapters grouped into five parts. The official terms are in Latin. Although equivalent English-language terms are provided, only the official Latin terms are used as the basis for creating lists of equivalent terms in other languages.
^Shrosbree, B.; DeLancey, J.O.; Hong, C.X. (March 2023). "Frequency and trends in usage of eponyms in gynecologic anatomical terminology". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 228 (3): S907–S908. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2022.12.176. S2CID257448700.