The origins of the anatomical description of the plexus parotideus by Niels Steensen in 17th century

This historical vignette reports one of the first anatomical descriptions of the parotid duct and that of the plexus parotideus in 17th century. This discovery, the topographical description of plexus parotideus by Danish physician, anatomist theologian, Catholic bishop and geologist, Niels Steensen, in his work on the parotid duct, altered surgery of the parotid area. The term initially introduced was pes anserinus (goose-like foot), while later the English Latin term parotid plexus was established and is still used today. The term pes anserinus was included in the orthopedic medical nomenclature and was described in anatomy treatises as a cluster of nerves on the border of the parotid gland, raised by branches of the facial nerve (Latin: portio dura). The 17th century was the era during which the scientific field of anatomy began to clarify body’s topography, widely contributing to the evolution of surgery. Niels Steensen work provided significand aid to facial surgery and neuro-operations in the years to come.

Keywords: facial nerve, ductus stenonis, Gerard Leendertszoon Blasius, pes anserinus, history of neurology.