Anat Cell Biol.  2023 Mar;56(1):25-31. 10.5115/acb.22.211.

Johannes Nathanael Lieberkühn (1711-1756): luminary eighteenth century anatomist and his illuminating discovery of intestinal glands

• Ghosh SK

• KMID: 2540981
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.22.211

Abstract

Johannes Nathanael Lieberkühn was a prodigious anatomist whose meticulous experiments and precise detailing helped in comprehending the microscopic anatomy of digestive system during early part of eighteenth century. Notably, his inventions in the field of microscopy aptly complemented his quest for anatomical knowledge at microscopic level. He designed a reflector (Lieberkühn reflector) which enhanced the amount of focussed light leading to bright illumination of tissue specimen. He invented the solar microscope which provided excellent resolution of minute anatomical details. Lieberkühn discovered the digestive juice secreting tubular glands (glands of Lieberkühn) present at the base of intestinal villi producing epithelial invaginations (crypts of Lieberkühn). He also described the intricate juxtaposition of blood vessels in relation to a single intestinal villi. Moreover, through empirically designed experimental set up, Lieberkühn was able to demonstrate the flow of lymph from intestinal villi to collecting lymphatic vessels. Also, his grandiose collection of laboratory specimens involving vascular anatomy are a testimony of his untiring efforts in academia. His contributions were seminal in comprehending the anatomy of digestive system and paved the way for future revelations. His work unveiled the enormous scope of microanatomy in medical science and catalysed the advent of histological staining methods a century later.

Keyword

Lieberkühn; Microscope; Intestinal villi; Intestinal crypts; Intestinal glands; Vascular anatomy

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A portrait of Johannes Nathanael Lieberkühn. Image in Public Domain and free from Copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 2 Illustration showing a Solar Microscope from eighteenth century. Lieberkühn used a similar version for his anatomical experiments and it became a significant element for his anatomical discoveries. Image in Public Domain and free from Copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 3 Figure showing the cover page of Lieberkühn’s dissertation titled, “De valvula coli et usu processus vermicularis”, which he authored during his medical graduation at Leiden. The dissertation laid the platform for his more elaborate works on intestinal glands later on. Image in Public Domain and free from Copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 4 Illustration plate from Lieberkühn’s text titled, “De fabrica et actione villorum intestinorum tenuium hominis” showing the intestinal glands. Lieberkühn described these glands as small tubular glands present at the base of each intestinal villi. He further elaborated that presence of these glands produced epithelial invaginations known as crypts. The illustration depicts the anatomical details pertaining to ramification of intestinal villi in relation to mucosal surface. Such meticulous observations possibly culminated in elucidation of vascular network juxtaposed with villi by Lieberkühn himself. Image in Public Domain and free from Copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 5 Figure showing the cover page of Lieberkühn’s text titled, “De fabrica et actione villorum intestinorum tenuium hominis” which was published in 1745. The text contains meticulous details of intestinal villous glands and epithelial crypts which became eponymous with their discoverer. Image in Public Domain and free from Copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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