Editing History of anatomy (section)

===19th century anatomy===
{{further|History of anatomy in the 19th century}}
During the 19th century, anatomical research was extended with [[histology]] and [[developmental biology]] of both humans and [[animal]]s. Women, who were not allowed to attend medical school, could attend the anatomy theatres. From 1822 the Royal College of Surgeons forced unregulated schools to close.<ref name="McLachlan, J. 2006. p.243-53">{{cite journal |author1=McLachlan J. |author2=Patten D. | year = 2006 | title = Anatomy teaching: ghosts of the past, present and future | journal = Medical Education | volume = 40 | issue = 3| pages = 243–53 | doi=10.1111/j.1365-2929.2006.02401.x|pmid=16483327 |s2cid=30909540 }}</ref> Medical museums provided examples in comparative anatomy, and were often used in teaching.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Reinarz J | year = 2005 | title = The age of museum medicine: The rise and fall of the medical museum at Birmingham's School of Medicine | journal = Social History of Medicine | volume = 18 | issue = 3| pages = 419–37 | doi=10.1093/shm/hki050}}</ref>

The history of anatomy in the United States is a rich and multifaceted narrative, closely tied to the evolution of medical education and scientific discovery. Anatomical education in the U.S. began in the mid-18th century, with notable pioneers like William Shippen Jr., who delivered public lectures on anatomy, including human dissections, in Philadelphia starting in 1762. The 19th century marked a significant expansion in anatomical education, fueled by the rapid growth of medical schools. However, this era also faced challenges, including a shortage of cadavers for dissection, which led to grave robbing and social unrest.

Reforms and innovations in anatomical education emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Influential educators such as Franklin Paine Mall at the University of Michigan introduced scientific rigor and promoted student-centered learning, setting new standards for teaching anatomy. By the 20th century, anatomy departments began evolving, often merging with disciplines like cell biology to reflect broader scientific advancements. Despite these changes, anatomy has remained a cornerstone of medical education, with modern techniques such as medical imaging and virtual dissection now complementing traditional methods of study.