What is the significance of the term Achilles' heel in anatomy?

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SUMMARY

The term "Achilles' heel" was first introduced by Dutch anatomist Verheyden in 1693 during the dissection of his own amputated leg. This term is derived from the Greek myth of Achilles, whose heel was his only vulnerable spot. The discussion highlights the historical significance of the term and its anatomical relevance, particularly in relation to the Achilles tendon. Participants also reflect on the metaphorical implications of having an "Achilles' heel" in personal and professional contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Greek mythology, specifically the story of Achilles.
  • Familiarity with anatomical terminology, particularly "Achilles tendon."
  • Knowledge of historical context regarding anatomical studies in the 17th century.
  • Basic comprehension of metaphorical language and its applications in psychology and personal development.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical contributions of Verheyden to anatomy and his other notable works.
  • Explore the anatomy and function of the Achilles tendon in detail.
  • Investigate the cultural impact of the term "Achilles' heel" in literature and psychology.
  • Study the various interpretations of vulnerability in mythology and their relevance in modern contexts.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of anatomy, historians of medicine, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of mythology and modern language.

wolram
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The term “Achilles’ heel” was first used by a Dutch anatomist, Verheyden, in 1693 when he dissected his own amputated leg.

Do you have an achilles heel ? I guess mine is my pride at work.
 
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strong man he must have been, catching his own amputated leg!
and disecting it
 
wolram said:
Do you have an achilles heel ? I guess mine is my pride at work.
I have two.
 
:cry::cry::cry::cry:
why can i never hijack a thread?
:cry::cry::cry::cry:
hope this one will do
 
I may have a Achilles high-heel some where in the closet.
 
For goodness sake, hypatia, let the birthday boy have his hijacking if he wants it that much.
 
ok...but is anyone else haveing a craving for Leg of lamb?
 
hypatia said:
ok...but is anyone else haveing a craving for Leg of lamb?
Isn't that forhidden?
(Dutch names are so difficult..)
 
ok, being compleatly lost with forhidden, I googled forhidden&Norway and came up with this...On the mountains you can hunt forhidden gold - cloudberries.
http://www.rondeheim.no/en_files/HTML/rondeheim/en_summer.html
 
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  • #10
hypatia said:
ok, being compleatly lost with forhidden,
It was a pun on the name Verheyden and the word "forbidden".
I googled forhidden&Norway and came up with this...On the mountains you can hunt forhidden gold - cloudberries.
http://www.rondeheim.no/en_files/HTML/rondeheim/en_summer.html
Ok, you've made your point. My pun wasn't very good.
 
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  • #11
Wolram buddy, they're :devil: stealing your thread. Here are the cops to rescue it. Unfortunately they googled for http://mbhs.bergtraum.k12.ny.us/cybereng/shorts/lamb.html
 
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  • #12
lol Andre! Touché!
 
  • #13
I'm guessing it would not be wise to say that everyone has an achilles heel anatomically speaking.

Being a bit philosphocial one may say:

"Everyone has an Achilles heel, and those that do not realize it have the most apparent of all"
 
  • #14
wolram said:
The term “Achilles’ heel” was first used by a Dutch anatomist, Verheyden, in 1693 when he dissected his own amputated leg.
The term "Achilles' heel" has to come from the story of Achilles. I can't believe no one used the term until 1693. Are you sure this anatomist didn't merely name the "Achilles' tendon"?
 
  • #15
gurkhawarhorse said:
:cry::cry::cry::cry:
why can i never hijack a thread?
:cry::cry::cry::cry:
hope this one will do

Do not worry Horsey, it is a skill, the old timers have mastered,
but are not yet masters of. :smile:
 
  • #16
zoobyshoe said:
The term "Achilles' heel" has to come from the story of Achilles. I can't believe no one used the term until 1693. Are you sure this anatomist didn't merely name the "Achilles' tendon"?

Was it even his heel ?? or some other spot.
 
  • #17
When Achilles was born, his loving mother Thetis wished to make him immortal, and for that purpose she dipped him in the waters of the river Styx [for this river see Underworld]. But others affirm that she, without the knowledge of the child's father, used to put the babe in the fire by night in order to destroy the mortal element which Achilles had inherited from Peleus, while anointing him with ambrosia during the day. But when Peleus saw the child writhing on the fire, he cried out, thus preventing Thetis from accomplishing her purpose [Apd.3 .13.6]. Then she threw the screaming child to the ground, and leaving both husband and son, departed to the NEREIDS and never returned again to Phthia, though she always kept an eye on her offspring.
____

"From mortal sight he [Apollo] vanished into cloud,
And cloaked with mist a baleful shaft he shot
Which leapt to Achilles' ankle..." - Fall of Troy (Quintus Smyrnaeus)

- http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Achilles.html
On the same page, there's a Rubens painting, Paris doodt Achilles, depicting Paris shooting Achilles through the ankle/heel. I don't know when it was painted, but Rubens died in 1640.

I ?hurt? (it didn't rupture completely) my Achilles tendon once - I couldn't walk with that foot for a few days, but it wasn't so bad. I think I hurt myself more trying to hop and crawl around the house. :rolleyes:
Anywho, PF is my only weakness. o:) Well, there is something else, but it's a secret.
 
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  • #18
honestrosewater said:
PF is my only weakness.
Kryptonite for me. (but don't tell anyone)
 
  • #19
Mk said:
Kryptonite for me. (but don't tell anyone)
My other weakness is men in tights! :!)
 

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