ABSTRACT

Medicine has existed with humanity and it is an indispensable element of human life. Throughout history, the heart has been believed to possess an important function in the body. Our aim historical development of the heart is evaluate in terms of the anatomical developments. In the ancient civilizations, it was demonstrated that there were both blood and the air in the vessels in the body. Moreover, the heart beats have been mentioned. In ancient Greece, it was identified that the arteries and veins had different functions. In Alexandria Medical School were discussed the tricuspid valve and its functions. According to Galen some blood from the right ventricle to the left ventricle transfers via pores found in the septum. This theory domiated Western medicine until 17th centruy due to “strict obedience to authority”. Avicenna, as the successor of Galen has been recognized. Ibn al-Nafis unlike Galen and Avicenna clearly described that blood came from the right heart to the lungs and mixed there with air and then returned to the left heart. Ibn al-Nafis discovery of pulmonary circulation in 13th centruy. In the historical process, the first study subject were about anatomical and physiological structures of the heart. Then the process have included all stages form determination of blood groups to a heart transplant.