| German pathologist and physiologist Date of Birth: 09.07.1809 Country: Germany |
Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle(1809-1885) was a German pathologist and physiologist known for his groundbreaking discoveries in the field of nephron anatomy. Born Jewish, he converted to Christianity at a young age. Henle studied medicine at the University of Bonn and the University of Heidelberg, graduating in 1832.
After graduation, Henle became an assistant to Karl Asmund Rudolph in Berlin in 1832. In 1834, he was appointed prosector of anatomy under Johannes Müller. During his six years in this role, he published numerous works, including three anatomical monographs on new animal species and studies on the structure of the lymphatic system and epithelium in the human body.
In 1837, Henle became a private docent in microscopic anatomy and pathology at the University of Berlin. In 1844, he moved to the University of Heidelberg, where he pursued his interests in physiology and pathology. He was particularly influenced by the research of Samuel Thomas von Sömmerring on general anatomy.
Together with his mentor Müller, Henle published a zoological essay on sharks and rays. In 1846, he published his renowned "Handbook of Rational Pathology," which marked a turning point in the development of pathology as a scientific discipline.
In 1849, Henle became the director of the anatomical theater in Heidelberg. In 1852, he moved to Göttingen, where he remained until his death in 1885.
- Henle's Tube:The part of Henle's loop between the proximal and distal convoluted tubules.
- Henle-Hassall's Corpuscles:Clear protrusions on the periphery of the iris of the eye.
Henle's contributions to medicine are honored with the Jakob Henle Medal, awarded by the medical faculty of the University of Göttingen since 1988. His work laid the foundation for modern microbiology and remains influential in the fields of pathology and physiology.