Splanchnology

SPLANCHNOLOGY, splanchnology (from Greek splanchnon - internal organs and logos - science), a branch of anatomy in which is presented the doctrine of the internal organs (viscera), of the organs located in the so-called vegetative, visceral, or splanchnic tube, situated ventrally to the spine or notochord (chorda dorsalis). In some anatomy textbooks, the heart is described in Splanchnology due to the close topographical connection with other internal organs and for convenience of dissection, while in others it is included in angiology (see Angiology) to preserve the integrity of the concept of the vascular system, of which it is the central part. In the general part of Splanchnology, a brief outline is given of the development of all organ systems that are considered in this branch of anatomy: namely, the digestive apparatus with its appendages, respiratory organs, urogenital system, and endocrine organs. The special Splanchnology includes a more detailed description of these organs, with indication of their histological structure, innervation, and vascularization. In special Splanchnology, the general body cavities, pleura and peritoneum sheets, mesentery and omentum, as well as the topographical relationships between organs, and their connection with the lymphatic and mammary systems are also described. When describing organs in Splanchnology, attention is also paid to their physiological function. As for the place of Splanchnology in the curriculum of higher medical schools and in anatomy textbooks, at present there is a tendency to include the presentation of Splanchnology at the end of the course in order to more conveniently and easily accompany the description of the internal organs with their innervation and vascularization. In the field of scientific research in Splanchnology, along with dissection of corpses and histological studies, the study of organs and their topography on living subjects by means of fluoroscopy, vivisection, and experiments on animals with removal of various organs and their transplantation is used. For the purpose of studying the topographical relationships between organs, the method of freezing corpses and their sawing is also used.