Comparative Guts

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Location of internal organs on modular grid

20th century reproduction of 17th century CE painting. Held in Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, Russia.

The central figures present the anterior and posterior views of the proper positions and proportions of anatomical structures from a theoretical perspective in relation to the spine by means of the Tibetan tradition of topographical lines on modular grid. The upper left figure demonstrates the musculoskeletal system in anterior view; the heart surrounded by the lungs is depicted “as seen” through the examination of dead bodies. On its left, one can see the liver, stomach, and gallbladder. On its right, small and large intestines are presented whereby a direct connection between the small intestine and the urinary bladder is displayed. The upper right figure presents the upright posterior view visualizing the lungs, kidneys, and spleen, as well as anus drawn between the legs as a swirling circle. The isolated spine next to the figure depicts the reproductive organs and kidneys as they lay nested behind the stomach. — Katharina Sabernig