A Conceptual Study of Anatomical Terminologies in Ashtanga Hrudaya

Available ancient Ayurvedic literature is more oriented to clinical descriptions. Shareera Sthana of the Samhitas includes the descriptions of metaphysical structures, embryology, applied surgical aspects like Marma, Sira-vyadha, and nomenclatures of anatomical entities. Features of the anatomical structures are found along with the descriptions of various diseases, health, and medical-related principles, as clinical or applied anatomy. The present study is based on the literary work based on the descriptions of the characters of various anatomical structures in different sthanas of Ashtanga Hrudaya with Arunadatta and Hemadri commentaries. Anatomical terms have been collected and classified based on the anatomical location, as Anga and Pratyanga. Certain terms are general, about the structures distributed throughout the body; hence, they are grouped separately as Paribhasha. Features of the structures based on the terms used in different contexts by the Acharya Vagbhata are analysed in view of Ayurvedic basic principles. Shareera is divided into Shadanga - Shiras, Antaradhi, two Bahu, and two Sakthi. All the structures that come under each Anga are included as Pratyanga. Collected characteristics are used to define the normal anatomical features of the concerned structure. Various structures have been discussed to determine the possible exact location in the body, extension, and measurements of the structures, to locate organs and their related other structures & channels.