Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Anatomy/Archive 8

Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents
Opinions are needed on the above linked discussion. I and the other editor edit medical articles. A WP:Permalink for the discussion is here. Flyer22 (talk) 02:01, 17 September 2014 (UTC)

Human_eye
See the templates in additional images. I like that these templates are information-dense, and they are probably quite useful to users. However I am always unsure as to where to place them, because a number of these labelled templates are huge, which I presume interferes with readability, particularly on mobile devices. Does anyone have any ideas about how we could display the content better? (perhaps by including an 'expand' button? eg 'Labelled diagram of the eye, expand to see in more detail'). This might just be a problem in my mind, but I've seen a few of these templates and am wondering about how they impact dislay/readability. Would like to know what other users think, --Tom (LT) (talk) 23:49, 8 September 2014 (UTC)
 * I personally don't like the policy saying that things shouldn't be hidden. If it was possible to have a button which swapped between these two I think that would be great:

-- -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 10:49, 10 September 2014 (UTC)
 * If that expand button was an option think that would be a really good move - too much info in image boxes does interfere with readability also many readers are probably familiar with some or many of the labelled features and could just expand to look at the unfamiliar. Iztwoz (talk) 14:12, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

Dorland's emedical dictionary
An extensive amount of anatomy articles link to eMedicine Health's MedicineNet dictionary. In my experience articles are fleshed our enough now that they don't need these links anymore to simply 'define' things. In addition most of these links are to articles 1 sentence long, and in the unlikely event they're clicked, serve only to redirect readers to eMedicine. We've had previous discussions on WT:MED about the use of eMedicine and I think the conclusion was there are other sources available. So I'm going to start removing these links in the 'external links' of articles from now on. What are the opinions of other editors on this? --Tom (LT) (talk) 06:59, 18 September 2014‎


 * Hmm, I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm not too opposed to it or very enthused about it. I'm sort of indifferent to it, while leaning in the direction that such links can be helpful. Flyer22 (talk) 07:33, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * What is an example of one of these links? Doc James  (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 07:47, 18 September 2014 (UTC)


 * Looking at the What links here option for Dorland's medical reference works, here is an example for the Anxiolytic article. And for anatomy, here is an example for the Skene's gland article. Neither of these links are currently used for the External links section of those articles, however; they are currently used as references in those articles. Flyer22 (talk) 08:01, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Yep, I'm just talking about links in the 'external links' section. For example, the link on glottis which goes here: and finally here: . The destination page contains the single sentence "Glottis: The middle part of the larynx, where the vocal cords are located.", which does not seem very helpful (or at least, not warranting the mass presence on hundreds of pages). --Tom (LT) (talk) 08:06, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

So I look at the external links section of glottis and do not see it Glottis Doc James  (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 08:34, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Yep, it was just removed by me. --Tom (LT) (talk) 08:49, 19 September 2014 (UTC)
 * One solution to the clutter would be to create a template to hold all our atlas or dictionary links. That way they can be small, collapsed and still hold everything.
 * Just a very quick concept mock up - Template:Anatomy_external_links:


 * -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 11:14, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Dorlands is good as a ref but I agree should not be in a external links section. We IMO should not be collecting external links but that is another matter. Doc James  (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 11:27, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Support that - the links do not lead anywhere helpful that I've looked at and definitely not to Dorland's Iztwoz (talk) 13:48, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * I also agree, we shouldn't be collecting them. The 'atlas' idea is something we can talk about more, as we can move one or two articles from the infoboxes. That said, at the moment I'm not too much in favour of the 'atlas' toolbox because I think it would rapidly accumulate a lot of poor-quality sources. In addition I don't think we should providing external links to dictionaries for our articles unless they are particularly exceptional. --Tom (LT) (talk) 08:49, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

Index of anatomy articles is severely outdated
As title says. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 12:58, 31 August 2014 (UTC)


 * Is there anything you propose to fix it? Flyer22 (talk) 13:03, 31 August 2014 (UTC)
 * My immediate thought would be to delete it, but maybe move it to a sub-page of this project? -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 09:52, 3 September 2014 (UTC)

I'm not too sure about what the purpose of the 'Index' series are. I think they're one of WP's heritage structures (like the 160+ individual 'WikiProject peer review' pages that exist but haven't been used for many years). I must confess I've been secretly using this page for some time, because it's an easy way to use the 'Recent Changes' feature and more reliable than the transcluded pages tool (now unavailable). There's a similar list of medical articles used to generate a recent changes list available on WT:MED. Perhaps may be able to help? What would be the opinion about this change:
 * Replace 'Index of Anatomy articles' content with bot-generated content based on our current articles, sorted alphabetically.
 * Provide an easy-to-follow 'Recent changes' list based on that list.

Thoughts? I hope you're all well, --Tom (LT) (talk) 06:04, 4 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Yes, the page is very useful to be used for recent changes in Anatomy - provided the list is a bit current list (updated). See Template:WPMED related changes, which can open various RC pages.
 * More background: That WPMED box has dedicated pages (click the List), that have the article and its talkpage. These were generated from the Category:Medicine articles by importance categories (from talkpage their tagging). Unfortunately, the list-pages are not updated by a bot. Shall I look into such a box for Anatomy? -DePiep (talk) 09:12, 4 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks, . Do you think you'd be able to do that for us? If you have a main list of all our articles, plopping it down on top of 'Index of Anatomy' articles (if it is alphabetically-ordered) would also be appreciated, as that way the index would be kept up-to-date (although I'm not sure which users use it...) --Tom (LT) (talk) 23:40, 4 September 2014 (UTC)
 * For reasons outside of wiki, I don't think I can spend time on this in the near future. I'm sorry. -DePiep (talk) 15:53, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

No worries,, I've gone ahead and created a list below. No need to apologise, your time is your own to use as you see fit. Take care! --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:35, 21 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks. To note: By WP:AWB, I'd list all articles in Category:WikiProject Anatomy articles, 2 cats deep. Save that list (10k talkpages; AWB does XML). Then AWB allows us to flip all pages from "talk" into "subject"! Another 10k. Save again. That is how I would create full lists. Next, requires conversion from AWB saved files (XML) into wiki list (with ). Even a bot cold think this. -DePiep (talk) 22:51, 21 September 2014 (UTC)

Tubercle
Should the information in the "tubercle of the upper lip" stub article be included under the "mouth" section of the general "tubercle" article? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 137.118.202.150 (talk) 23:15, 25 September 2014 (UTC)


 * Yes, the Tubercle of the upper lip article should be redirected and/or merged to there, since there is not much that can be stated about the tubercle of the upper lip. And the Stuart Brody information about vaginal orgasm, which is currently in that article, is dubious. A lot of Brody's research is dubious, as I've mentioned before. Flyer22 (talk) 23:33, 25 September 2014 (UTC)

Comment on the WikiProject X proposal
Hello there! As you may already know, most WikiProjects here on Wikipedia struggle to stay active after they've been founded. I believe there is a lot of potential for WikiProjects to facilitate collaboration across subject areas, so I have submitted a grant proposal with the Wikimedia Foundation for the "WikiProject X" project. WikiProject X will study what makes WikiProjects succeed in retaining editors and then design a prototype WikiProject system that will recruit contributors to WikiProjects and help them run effectively. Please review the proposal here and leave feedback. If you have any questions, you can ask on the proposal page or leave a message on my talk page. Thank you for your time! (Also, sorry about the posting mistake earlier. If someone already moved my message to the talk page, feel free to remove this posting.) Harej (talk) 22:47, 1 October 2014 (UTC)

Expert needed on Morphogen
Is there anyone here who could bring Morphogen up to date? It has been flagged for years as poorly cited, and is clearly far out of date in a changing field. It is an important topic in Embryology. Chiswick Chap (talk) 08:28, 3 October 2014 (UTC)

Recent changes list
Per our recent discussion, I've gone ahead and created a page that can be used to track recent changes to pages under this project's scope. I didn't include categories or redirects.

This page is here: Special:RecentChangesLinked/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Anatomy/Recent_changes/Article_list. I've updated the main page to reflect this, too.

I suppose we could also consider creating watchlists for our top/high-class etc. articles, but we receive so few edits one watchlist should be enough. --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:33, 21 September 2014 (UTC)
 * I never got to thanking you, but I've been missing this type of list for a while, and I'm afraid to go back and see all the vandalism and non-sense that has crept in while it's been missing. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 07:11, 30 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Actually (this may just be my opinion) there seems to be a fair bit of higher-quality editing going on recently. --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:33, 3 October 2014 (UTC)

Open tasks
Hello! I hope everyone is well. I was wondering what everyone is working on at the moment, in terms of subject areas and goals? --Tom (LT) (talk) 06:19, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Ping to, , and any other interested users


 * I'm working on the Vagina article, and was about to look into sourcing its Clinical significance section with better sources before you pinged me. I'm still about to do that. And I know that Iztwoz has been working on the Heart article. Flyer22 (talk) 06:27, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Great! The article is looking very good. --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:41, 3 October 2014 (UTC)


 * I'm working on the major organ systems. So I started off with heart, and plan to move along to liver, lungs etc. to bring them to a decent standard and to have them to GA. No timeframe, currently rather busy with IEG work etc. Also still working on images, and recently got a grant from Wikimedia Sweden to buy 4-5 books to be scanned. Especially the out of copyright 1958 Grant's Method of Anatomy should be interesting as we can use the text from it (likely best used on bones etc, other structures where there haven't been many recent developments). -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 06:53, 18 September 2014 (UTC)


 * I have been working on Heart but I still feel it's unnecessarily lengthy. Also been working on Development of heart which has its own problems - English is not the first language of the page maker! Also while I'm here....there seem to be a lot of articles for merge (in the list) that when looked at and go to see Discussion for these - they just aren't listed on the talk pages - so leaves a stalemate position for merging.???   And it seems that there is so much to be fixed in general terms on so many of the articles that many of these ought to be addressed before focusing on getting things to Good article status. Iztwoz (talk) 14:04, 18 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Interesting! I'm using the cleanup list here and it too has entries which aren't always reflected on the page. The one which irritates me the most is the 'citations could be improved' entry. How is that useful to readers?? (What reader will see the tag and think 'Ah yes, I better create an account in order to standardise these references'...). I see the Heart development articles is very confusing... from memory that was part of a class assignment by someone? --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:41, 3 October 2014 (UTC)


 * I'm doing some tasks (very slowly, but continuously). One is checking external link templates in anatomy fields. Current status is two thirds of external link templates are checked (Category talk:Anatomy external link templates). The other one is adding Terminologia Anatomica ID (wikidata:P:P1323) and Foundational Model of Anatomy ID (wikidata:P:P1402) to each pages at WikiData. I didn't count yet how many IDs are already added, I suppose about 5% or so are added as of now. --Was a bee (talk) 12:14, 26 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks,, that's a very useful task. --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:41, 3 October 2014 (UTC)

10,000!
At some point over the last week we surpassed 10,000 articles under our scope! --Tom (LT) (talk) 23:26, 9 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Wow, that is slightly scary to consider when there are only so few of us. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 10:49, 10 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Great. Huge number though, actual article number is about 4,500 or so (half of 10,000 is redirect). I suppose actual number of articles will not exceed 10,000 to the end. However redirects of synonym, Latin, Greece or substructures will reach more (I suppose 20,000 or so). What is the good point for us is that this project doesn't need genuine "new" entries. For example, WP:MOVIES have to create new articles for movies of 2014, movies of 2015 and so on, but Anatomy project doesn't need that. I feel this is good point for us. :) --Was a bee (talk) 22:08, 14 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Agree, I also find it reassuring that the speed of our editing has exceeded the speed of evolution :). --Tom (LT) (talk) 03:17, 21 October 2014 (UTC)

Errors in some arteries of the lower leg?
I don't know where this is sourced, but isn't the fibular artery sourced from the popliteal artery, not the tibialis posterior artery. I thought the popliteal stopped at the bifurcation, but according to their WP entries the popliteal changes to the tibialis posterior after it gives off the tibialis anterior artery. Even the images are labeled as such (though not the original Gray's labels, just the added ones). -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 09:18, 22 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Moore: Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7E) and the BioDigital Human Project list the fibular artery as a branch of the posterior tibial artery. However, I remember seeing some weird branching points in the Lab. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 18:58, 12 October 2014 (UTC)

Incorrect image
Putting this out there, as letting you all know it is on my to-do list makes me less prone to forget about it.

Anyone spot the error? -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 08:00, 26 September 2014 (UTC)

The label for the posterior belly of digastric instead points to stylohyoid? Matthew Ferguson 57 (talk) 18:05, 26 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Yes that is it, but that confusion has also spread to the fact that the anterior border is the digastric, so the triangle is slightly to big here. The blue area shouldn't cover the digastric. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 15:36, 27 September 2014 (UTC)

✅ --  CFCF  🍌 (email) 19:38, 6 October 2014 (UTC)

Article Naming Conventions
Aside from the project name change discussion above, I think the article naming conventions are much more important. I researched the structure of these articles a little bit a few months ago for the Vital Articles project, and I found out that there are as a rule (there are exceptions!) seperate articles for Human anatomy, named Human whatever. For example: Human skeleton and Skeleton, Human lungs and Lungs, Human eye and Eye and there are many other examples. That's mostly the current structure, but there are pros and cons for this emerging convention. The same holds true for physiology topics. I see that this may be different when it gets to the more detailed articles, but for major organs, e.g. brain, I think it is obvious that we need separate articles for animal anatomy and human anatomy. The question is, should the human brain article be titled Brain or Human brain? At this stage we should be thinking about basic naming conventions to avoid merging, splitting, copying, and pasting back and forth later. I wonder what editors and  think? What do other editors think? --, 17:04, 9 October 2014‎


 * Convenient link to MOS Medicine Article titles(Not much in the style manual about that topic yet)
 * An interesting observation,, which may be an example of selection bias. In fact the number of articles that aren't split into "Human x" and "x" vastly outnumbers the articles which have been split. We had an RfC about this some time ago: Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Anatomy/Archive_5 and the conclusion was that only when an article has substantial amount of non-human content should the human part be split off. --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:08, 9 October 2014 (UTC)

Articularis genu muscle
Is this an independent muscle or part of vastus intermedialis? Gray's 1918 says one thing, modern books barely mention the muscle. And should we actually be having all these articles anyway? When we have the parent: CFCF 🍌 (email) 14:53, 11 October 2014 (UTC) Preparing a larger discussion. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 18:56, 11 October 2014 (UTC)
 * vastus intermedialis
 * vastus lateralis
 * vastus medialis
 * rectus femoris
 * quadriceps femoris

I have some questions!
First: How many nerve endings are in these structures? In the penis (on the internet, some say 4000 and some say 6000), on the clitoris (some say as much as the penis and some say 8000, but the clitoris is homologous to the penis, so why would there be more nerve endings?) and in the prepuce (male and female, it says around 20000, which seems extremely exagerated since we feel more sensation on the glans than on the prepuce, uh?) I know they are all on wikipedia, but I would like to understand a little more…

Second: Are there adipose tissues on the scrotum and labia majoras? Is there an hypodermis on them?

Third: I edited the article Inferior Hypogastric Plexus a few months ago, but I am not 100% sure if it was right. It says that it innerves the rectum, the prostate and the vagina (I do not remember which of them I edited). So if there's something wrong, of course, edit it.

Thanks! Royerlraph79 (talk) 00:56, 17 October 2014‎ (UTC)


 * , the human clitoral nerve endings vs. the human penile nerve endings matter has been brought up on the Clitoris talk page more than once; see what is currently stated there on the matter. As for the labia majora, the anatomical consensus seems to be that adipose tissue is present in the labia majora, but is absent in the labia minora; see this source (The Vulva: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, 2006, page 4) and this source (Wilkinson and Stone Atlas of Vulvar Disease, 2012, page 5), for example (I used both of those for the Clitoris article). Other sources might state differently, since there is significantly more conflicting information out there regarding female sex anatomy than there is regarding male sex anatomy. As for the rest, I'll let other WP:Anatomy editors answer that.


 * On a side note: I moved your post down, and de-linked the WP:Red link title. Per Talk page guidelines, newer posts go at the bottom. Also, remember to sign your posts on Wikipedia talk pages. All you have to do to sign your post is simply type four tildes (~), like this: . I signed your post for you above. Flyer22 (talk) 01:26, 17 October 2014 (UTC)

Thank you so much! So there are adipose tissues on the labia majoras, but are there some on the scrotum? And does that mean we can gain some pounds on the vulva?? And are there A LOT of them on the labia majoras or just a little bit? And on the scrotum? Royerlraph79 (talk) 01:45, 17 October 2014 (UTC)
 * This isn't a forum for answering questions, but rather for discussing how to improve articles. I suggest you check out an anatomy book at your local library if you wish to contribute. I have reverted the edits you mentioned above as you did not supply any sources.
 * Marieb's Anatomy & Physiology or Gray's anatomy for students may be a good start.-- CFCF  🍌 (email) 07:06, 17 October 2014 (UTC)

I know we can't put Wikipedia as a source, but the main article of the prostate says that its nerve is the inferior hypogastric plexus, so I thought it was reliable… And what, I don't have the right to ask questions here when I don't have the answer anywhere else? Royerlraph79 (talk) 00:30, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * First of all course and innervation are not the same thing! If you read WP:MEDRS & WP:Circular you will see why you need sources, and why simply saying this was on another WP-page is not reliable. (There may well be a source there you could use, but you haven't supplied it).
 * I didn't say you don't have the right to ask questions, but this isn't a forum for general questions and general questions without the intent to improve an article may be deleted as per WP:TPG. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 07:10, 18 October 2014 (UTC)

WP:Common name matter: Müllerian duct vs. paramesonephric duct
Opinions are needed on the following matter: Talk:Paramesonephric duct. A WP:Permalink to the discussion is here. Flyer22 (talk) 22:00, 9 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Have contributed. This impacts the names of quite a few articles, so fourth and fifth opinions would be useful. --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:32, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

Mons pubis article
Opinions are needed on the following matter: Talk:Mons pubis. A WP:Permalink for it is here. Flyer22 (talk) 08:03, 7 October 2014 (UTC)

Comments are needed on some topics at the Vagina article
Comments are needed on what image will make the best lead image for the Vagina article, on genital vs. urogenital terminology, and on what to do regarding medical material concerning the vulva and vagina being split into separate articles. Flyer22 (talk) 14:49, 6 October 2014 (UTC)

Sulcus subtarsalis upper or lower eyelid?
So, I'm coming here with a large number of questions, but is the Sulcus subtarsalis present on both the upper and lower eyelid? To me it seems so, but I'm not an ophthalmologist, so couldn't say without consulting a boo. I got these hits just pushing some random searches.

G-scholar hits: Sulcus subtarsalis 124 Subtarsal sulcus 38 Sulcus supratarsalis 4 Supratarsal sulcus 116 Infratarsal suclcus 4

Should the article be merged somewhere, and should we include all the names? -- -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 13:59, 9 October 2014 (UTC)

Splenorenal ligament
Aren't these the same thing? -- -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 09:15, 8 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Phrenicosplenic ligament - older name?
 * Splenorenal ligament - modern name?
 * Have written on talk page. Iztwoz (talk) 16:54, 8 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Likewise. --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:05, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

Muscles of anterior compartment of thigh
Do any users have any reliable sources that state what the muscles of the anterior compartment of thigh are? My grey's includes the Iliopsoas, however apparently "Grant's dissector" does not. As well as "evidence-based opinions" any sources provided that could be used to substantiate the muscles would be appreciated! --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:52, 10 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Well, I guess this has to do with where you make a cross section, below the insertion of the iliopsoas you won't see it. Moore's Clinical anatomy has the pectineus, iliopsoas, sartorius, quadriceps all in the anterior compartment. Tell me if you need the full source. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 10:39, 11 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I searched some ontologies at BioPortal. It seems that inclusion of the Iliopsoas depends on each ontologies. We can check that at linked page below (please click [+] symbol at "Anterior muscle of thigh" in the tree.) --Was a bee (talk) 20:57, 11 October 2014 (UTC)
 * SNOMED includes Iliopsoas.
 * Read Code includes Iliopsoas.
 * RADLEX doesn't include Iliopsoas.
 * FMA doesn't include Iliopsoas.

Trigeminal nerve
Trigeminal nerve just received a stellar copyedit from, dramatically enhancing its readability as part of a guide of copy editors request. For editors that don't know, the guild of copy editors has a 'request' page where articles in need can be nominated for copy-editing. --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:48, 11 October 2014 (UTC)

Branch/Anastomosis
I came across the superior epigastric artery, and saw the infobox claims it is a sourced from the internal thoracic artery (all well). The article continues to say it anastomoses with the inferior epigastric artery, but this is not in the infobox. In addition the internal thoracic article says that the superior epigastric artery is a branch from it, something that feels incorrect at least to me.

My own intuition says that the superior epigastric anastomoses from both the internal thoracic and the inferior epigastric, and is a branch of neither (despite not having any major independent source). I'm not seeing any sources in the infobox, and I'm unsure where to look as my books don't go into detail of which of these is a tributary of which. So, does anyone else have a good source?

Also how would you feel about adding an 'anastomoses parameter in the infoboxes?

-- CFCF  🍌 (email) 14:01, 14 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Moore: Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7E) states that the superior epigastric artery is a terminal branch of the internal thoracic artery that runs within the rectus sheath posterior to the rectus abdominus muscle. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 15:12, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I wouldn't be that in favour of it, because I would be reticent to add parameters where they may be applicable only to a few structures. Perhaps we could write about 'anastamoses' data in the 'branches' field? The infobox documentation could be updated to match this. --Tom (LT) (talk) 03:41, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

Related changes list
Following this earlier talk here, I have made the Related Changes box (or: recent changes), see right. You can add it to a page with (also to you userpage!).

Try the link. More options are possible, you can take a look at the similar, but more extended WP:MEDICINE box WPMED related changes. -DePiep (talk) 00:28, 19 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Thank you !! This is much appreciated! --Tom (LT) (talk) 03:44, 19 October 2014 (UTC)
 * :-) . As you know, if there are more useful lists, they can be added. But with 10,000 pages in this project, all+talks can be in one list page. -DePiep (talk) 08:40, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

Advice on Pictures for Anatomy Articles
First I wanted to say Hello to the WP: Anatomy community. My user name is Brian (HoneyBadger4) and I am an osteopathic medical student and a strong advocate for the implementation of 21st Century Skills -this page is still under construction- (e.g. communication, collaboration) in anatomy and medical education so that everyone can communicate more efficiently. I believe that the most effective way to achieve this is by establishing (in the case of medicine) or adhering to (In the case of anatomy, embryology, and histology) a standard language. So I am always in favor of updating articles to be consistent with the Terminologia Histologica, Terminologia Anatomica, or Terminologia Embryologica. However, I will not make these changes without first discussing them on this page. I would love to talk more about this topic and learn about the different opinions of editors on my talk page or via email if anyone is interested in discussing it.

Now onto my question: '''I am looking for updated sources for pictures to include in articles. However, I am having difficulty finding updated images that are not under copy-write. Does anybody have advice on where to obtain anatomy, or medical, images that can safely be added to wikipedia pages?''' Thank you in advance. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 16:08, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * To put it this way, that would be my area of expertise. Most of what is available isn't modern, but for a start, and maybe the best newer source: CNX Anatomy & Physiology is free, both when it comes to text and images, all you need to do is attribute properly. The book recently had a major update and now includes numerous images covering specific muscles, bones and organs (whereas they previously mainly covered major concepts). Do take a look, and feel free to ask for help uploading the images. Otherwise just write here what you need an image of and I can see how I can help. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 21:40, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * It's nice to have you around, Brian! We have a list of small open tasks if / when you think of anything with a defined scope you'd like to work on. --Tom (LT) (talk) 03:44, 19 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Welcome. With respect to what terminology to use it is important to keep in mind that we write for a general. We should generally be using plain English as much as possible. Doc James  (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 05:10, 19 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I agree that the content of the article should be kept as general as possible. However, most nouns in anatomy are Greek or Latin. That is more of what I meant to refer to. Maybe it would be advantageous to include and explanation of etymology in the introduction of anatomy articles? This could help our readers understand the terms more intuitively. Also it is important to remember that a good portion of our readers are specialists. Though few of them will admit it, I know that several of my professors have copied and pasted directly from Wikipedia articles.HoneyBadger4 (talk) 10:48, 22 October 2014 (UTC)

Medical dictionaries
Does wikipedia guidelines prohibit the use of online medical dictionaries as references? I've noticed that some dictionaries — often but not always — contains very accurate and credible information. — Gaute chat 00:04, 24 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I agree, one reason being they often state information that is too obvious to be included in other books, yet fundamental to an article or structure. In my understanding they are treated like other reliable sources. If citing an online dictionary don't forget to include an access date and URL. --Tom (LT) (talk) 01:48, 24 October 2014 (UTC)

Great work!
Someone's been a prodigiously busy bee... according to the cleanup page, in the last week we've resolved 8,728 "issues" identified on cleanup Unfortunately none of these articles appear to be anatomical... --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:07, 25 October 2014 (UTC)

Sex and gender distinction at anatomy or other medical articles
For those who don't know about this discussion, see Wikipedia talk:Manual of Style/Medicine-related articles. A WP:Permalink to that discussion is here. Flyer22 (talk) 02:43, 26 October 2014 (UTC)

Simplifying anatomical terminology essay
The words we use are very important, and there are so many articles I feel would be impenetrable if I was not already well-acquainted with anatomical terminology. I wrote this essay as a point of reference so that it can be referred to by users, particularly expert users and/or classes who may not be aware of the need to write for a lay audience. I asked for some opinions on this essay quite a while ago on the project's talk page, and have now fleshed it out, and moved it to the project space as an essay. It's available here: WP:ANATSIMPLIFY. The shortcut 'ANATSIMPLIFY' can be used to refer to the essay if needed.

I'll also be writing about this issue briefly in the quarterly. I know there are probably other opinions on the use of anatomical terminology, I invite the comments of other readers and, if there are any other pressing issues (this or otherwise), invite other users to create and upload some anatomically-themed essays too. --Tom (LT) (talk) 12:12, 27 October 2014 (UTC)


 * This adaptation of the MoS was certainly needed. Technical terms are of little value to most readers, and should be avoided when possible. Well done. — Gaute chat 17:09, 28 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Really useful. Thank you, 109.153.156.71 (talk) 22:03, 28 October 2014 (UTC)

WikiProject Animal anatomy
How is Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy going to work as far as Wikipedia:WikiProject Anatomy is concerned? We don't need any Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy editors thinking that all non-human anatomy concerns them and never concerns Wikipedia:WikiProject Anatomy, and these two WikiProjects battling each other. For example, Wikipedia:WikiProject Anatomy follows WP:MEDMOS, and editing shouldn't come to the point that Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy editors are creating WP:Spinout articles for non-human animal content simply because an anatomy article is primarily about humans. As was stated at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Anatomy/Archive 7, we commonly include an Other animals section in an anatomy article that is primarily about humans and only break that content out into its own article when the split is needed. Like WP:Spinout states, there is no need for haste. Per WP:Content fork, it is better to cover all aspects of a topic in one article unless a split is needed, instead of causing our readers to go to more than one article for that content. Indeed, if an anatomy topic that is about humans and other animals covers both, it is a more comprehensive article. And if splitting the content does happen, it should usually follow WP:Summary style; there should still be a section in the article about non-human animals. I think that when there is reason to believe that an anatomy article should be split, that matter should be discussed between both of these anatomy WikiProjects, preferably in one spot per WP:TALKCENT. I added this bit (followup edit here) to the Wikipedia:WikiProject Anatomy page so that it is clear that Wikipedia:WikiProject Anatomy covers non-human animal content as well, but that Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy is the main project for non-human animal content. I think that Epipelagic perhaps should have thought more thoroughly about creating this spinoff project, if he didn't think about it thoroughly enough, and perhaps should have followed the WP:Consensus that is now seen at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Anatomy/Archive 7. Or should have at least gone with his WP:Task force suggestion. I'll alert Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy to this discussion. Flyer22 (talk) 04:53, 27 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks for pointing this out, . As stated there's no rush. This whole process has been extremely quick (Day 1 (6/10/14): question posted about scope. Day 1: Suggest we rename. Day 2: continued discussion Day 3 (8/10/14): entire topic closed on request of ). I would welcome other editors and I think it'd be better for both the articles and editors rather that we pool our resources rather than cultivate two separate projects. To other editors, I'd say please understand the intensity and suddenness of the request may have played a role in discussion, and there was a clear consensus that we can create expand our scope, and emerging consensus (before the entire thread was closed, after three days) a taskforce and expand our scope. The best things take time and discussion and I think three days was not really much time. I'd like to hear about the opinions of other editors. --Tom (LT) (talk) 05:30, 27 October 2014 (UTC)
 * It's a great new project and I welcome its existence! Given the enormous number of organisms the animal anatomy project will cover, there will almost always be a good reason for a split of an article. And it's entirely up to the animal project to decide this. You have had a chance to integrate animal anatomy into your project, and you didn't quite want it, as the link to the discussion above shows. I agree, it was quick. But the discussion clearly showed what would have happened: it would have been very difficult to make it clear to a physician that animal anatomy is a huge topic in its own right. The link above to the MedMOS shows that you have the possiblity to integrate a comparative anatomy section into your articles. Nobody expects these sections to grow into full coverage of animal anatomy. To an animal anatomy article, on the other hand, humans are just other animals. Look at it this way - would you be willing to have posts on this very active page here where authors try to coordinate work on horse anatomy or cat whiskers? I think the problem is that Wikiproject Human Anatomy has a way of dealing with conflict and discussion that is different from other projects - for example, adhering to a dated 3RR policy seems common among members of this project and does not create a good climate in this possibly difficult cooperation. The organization of a separate project for animal anatomy has many advantages. It gives both projects the perfect framework to do what they do best, and that is write their articles, in peace. Please cooperate with this new project in cases when conflict arises, discuss first and revert later. Be nice, assume good faith, try to understand the other editors. We're all in this together.--Melody Lavender 20:05, 27 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Melody Lavender (I won't ping you via WP:Echo here after this and will instead assume that you will check back here at this talk page for followup replies), there is not "almost always a good reason to split an article" in the case of anatomy topics, or in the case of the vast majority of topics on Wikipedia. As was stated by me in the aforementioned discussion I linked to above in this section, it's often the case that an anatomy or other medical topic is not as well studied in non-human animals as it is in humans. In that aforementioned discussion, I pointed to the Cancer article, for example, where there is an Other animals section, and there is not a Cancer in non-human animals article because that little bit of content does not need its own Wikipedia article. In those cases, or cases like the Vagina article, where the vagina is not as well studied in non-human animals as it is in humans, it is better to keep the little bit of material, or relatively small material, in an Other animals section, than to break that material off into its own article or than to retitle the main article by adding "Human" to the title. And I reiterate when an anatomy topic is about humans and non-human animals, an anatomy article about that topic is more comprehensive when it covers both human and non-human animal content. We should only be creating WP:Spinout articles when necessary in these cases, not causing our readers to go to an extra article for that little bit of content. This matter has been discussed more than once at WP:Med and at WP:Anatomy, and there is general agreement on it. No, it is not "entirely up to the animal project" to decide to split an anatomy article when it contains non-human animal content. As shown at the Heart article talk page (seen here), it will likely be the case that you will need WP:Consensus to split out the non-human animal content. You should not be going around willy-nilly splitting articles because you feel that the non-human animal content deserves its own article. You should be following Wikipedia's policies and guidelines on these matters. WP:3RR is not a "dated" policy; it is a policy you should be following. WP:MEDMOS#Anatomy is a guideline. And as for stating, "You have had a chance to integrate animal anatomy into your project, and you didn't quite want it," that is not completely accurate; that discussion shows that non-human animal anatomy was already a part of this WikiProject; it simply was not a major part of it. That discussion shows that there was WP:Consensus to expand the scope in that regard. It was Epipelagic who decided to derail that WP:Consensus and then create a spinoff WikiProject as though it solves everything. I will now alert WP:Med to this discussion. Flyer22 (talk) 21:56, 27 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Alerted. Flyer22 (talk) 22:27, 27 October 2014 (UTC)

Melody (and everyone else), it sounds like we need to clear up a few misconceptions. You'll find all this documented in the official guideline on WikiProjects, and extensively discussed at WT:COUNCIL, but maybe my summary will save you some time.

A WP:WikiProject is a social group of editors who want to work together to improve the encyclopedia. It is not a collection of pages that have the word "WikiProject" in the title. It is not a subject area.

Any group of editors can declare themselves to be a WikiProject at any time. (We do sometimes enforce a rule that it be a "group", meaning that at least two editors claim to be involved.) It is perfectly acceptable under the community's long-standing guideline on WikiProjects to have a "WikiProject Anatomy #1" and a "WikiProject Anatomy #2". These two groups may have identical lists of articles they support—or different lists. These two groups of people may even disagree with each other, just like it's okay for normal editors to disagree with each other. Their disagreement doesn't matter much, because WikiProjects are designed to have no actual power over articles.

Here is a complete and accurate list of the true "rights" of a WikiProject:


 * 1) To decide which pages their group wants to support.

(End of list)

This particular right has a few follow-on consequences: you get to tag articles with your banner, so that you can use various bots to facilitate some of that article support. The banner (and the categories that WikiProject banners use) will help you get alerts on progress, nominations for deletions, etc.

Within some limits, WikiProject members are encouraged to set quality and priority assessments for the WP:1.0 team, but the 1.0 team—which is also a WikiProject—also has the power and authority to ignore your assessments, so a WikiProject doesn't have any real rights there.

WikiProjects, acting as a whole, also have the same rights as their participants. A group of WikiProject participants can get together and write an WP:Essay to help other people, just like a group of non-WikiProject editors can write an essay. You don't give up any rights when you join a WikiProject, but you don't get any new ones, either, except for the right to make what amounts to a watchlist for the group.

The list of things that various editors have claimed to be the right of their WikiProject over the years is too long (and too depressing) to write out, but the popular ones are usually these:


 * An alleged right to decide whether an article should be formatted this way or that way.
 * An alleged right to decide whether an article should exist (create, merge, split, delete, etc).
 * An alleged right to decide whether an article should contain this or that.
 * An alleged right to decide whether an article should be edited by non-members.
 * An alleged right to decide which sources are acceptable.
 * An alleged right to create guidelines that everyone else is required to respect, without properly consulting the rest of the community.

In the science area, it's particularly confusing, because people see WikiProject Medicine, and they see MEDRS and MEDMOS, and they think (not unreasonably) "Oh, look, that WikiProject makes everyone obey their advice, so WikiProjects must be allowed to do that". Here's the problem: MEDRS and MEDMOS, unlike the WP:WikiProject advice pages, don't actually "belong" to the WikiProject, and never have. Those are community-wide guidelines, and they are edited by and supported by people who do not claim to be part of WPMED. (In fact, there are currently five different WikiProjects supporting MEDMOS.) Those pages went through the same WP:PROPOSAL process as any other guideline that's been written in the last several years. While a couple of folks who are prominent at WPMED are also zealous at enforcing them, there's no official connection between the two.

Bottom line: Start a WikiProject if you want to collaborate. Don't start a WikiProject because you think it will give you power; you'll only end up disappointed. WhatamIdoing (talk) 05:12, 28 October 2014 (UTC)


 * WhatamIdoing, it's because of potential disagreements between these two WikiProjects that I started the above discussion. So regarding your belief that the "[disagreements don't] matter much," they do, in my opinion, if we are work together productively as WikiProjects and not consistently butt heads. For example, if one WikiProject is following WP:MEDMOS and the other isn't, and there is constant conflict regarding that. If there is, that is something that very much matters and needs to be worked out. And judging by Melody Lavender's response above, this discussion definitely needed to be started, even if it doesn't progress much from here, since, for example, Epipelagic is currently ignoring it. With several years of significant experience editing Wikipedia, I am already aware of the things you stated above. I started this discussion per what I stated in my initial post above. I don't see this matter as quite the same thing as having Wikipedia:WikiProject Medicine and WikiProject Veterinary medicine. Flyer22 (talk) 06:10, 28 October 2014 (UTC)


 * If you don't mind Flyer, I would rather keep out of this. So far there has been no conflict between the projects, and I don't see the point of you trying to create conflict. This project has never shown the slightest interest in the vast bulk of animal anatomy articles, nor have they tagged them. They are simply not relevant. There is a tiny proportion of articles that are of mutual interest to both projects. At some point down the track, the two projects might need to negotiate how best to deal with a few of these articles, but it seems to me that most of them could stay structured just as they are. With a little good will, I can see no reason why there has to be problems. Incidentally, Melody is an interested bystander... not currently a participant of either project. --Epipelagic (talk) 06:42, 28 October 2014 (UTC)
 * WikiProjects aren't capable of following MEDMOS; only individual editors are. Individual editors have exactly as much choice about following MEDMOS as they have about following WP:MOSLEAD, because MEDMOS is just another page in the whole community's Manual of Style, exactly like the page in the MOS that talks about how to write a decent lead. If you have individuals that absolutely refuse to follow the Manual of Style, then we have methods for dealing with that. I doubt, however, that anyone here actually proposes to do so. (Also, anyone who finds deficiencies in MEDMOS is welcome to show up there and propose changes, just like they'd be welcome to show up at any MOS page to propose changes. MEDMOS is not perfect.) WhatamIdoing (talk) 06:52, 28 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Epipelagic, stating that I am trying to create conflict, a serious bad-faith accusation, is perhaps a reflection of why it's sometimes difficult for some editors to work with you. I made clear why I started the above discussion, and there is no "trying to create conflict" angle to that in the least. As seen by LT910001 (Tom)'s and Melody Lavender's responses above, this discussion was/is absolutely needed. And as seen here and here, you are the one who cut off the previous discussion before it was truly resolved, even after I was clear that it's best that it stay open so that others can weigh in on it. You derailed the WP:Consensus that had clearly formed. So if any conflict arises between these two WikiProjects because of misunderstandings, misunderstandings that are clear by Melody Lavender thinking that "it's entirely up to the animal project to decide [when to split an anatomy article that concerns humans and non-human animals]", as though guidelines don't factor into it at all, and as though Wikipedia:WikiProject Anatomy should not butt in, then you are somewhat to blame for that. There was clear conflict between the two main trains of thoughts in the discussion you prematurely closed. Prematurely closing the discussion, and then going off and creating Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy, has not necessarily resolved anything; all that you have done is swept the matter under the rug and seemingly hope that the problem does not resurface. Well, if there's anything my years of editing this site have taught me, it's that problems like that usually do resurface. As has been documented at this WikiProject and at WP:Med, there has been, for some time now, a disconnect between those how feel that an anatomy article that is mainly or solely about humans should have the primary WP:Mainspace title (such as Pregnancy) and those who think that a more general anatomy article (all animals) should be covered under the primary WP:Mainspace title. Or that non-human animal anatomy content should have its own Wikipedia article, period. Those were big issues in the discussion you prematurely closed. I won't apologize for seeking to have those matters resolved, and trying to get both sides to see how all of this will work out now that there are two anatomy WikiProjects. And as for you stating, "This project has never shown the slightest interest in the vast bulk of animal anatomy articles.", that is not true. This WikiProject used to have articles that are exclusively about non-human animals tagged as being within its scope. It was already made clear in the aforementioned discussion that you closed...that LT910001 (Tom) and CFCF revamped this WikiProject to primarily focus on humans, and I didn't object much to that, but I did question it. But, yes, as far as this discussion I've started is concerned, you are obviously more than free to go about your business. Discussion busted, whatever.


 * WhatamIdoing, above, by my stating that a WikiProject is following something, I clearly meant the editors. At least it was clear to me that I meant that. In some cases, I even stated, "Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy editors." As I have indicated to you before, there is no need to inform me of any Wikipedia policy or guideline; I know them all, very well, no matter that we disagree on some of them. There is also no need to inform me of what to do in a WP:Dispute matter, or that WP:MEDMOS is not perfect, or that Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy editors can propose changes at WP:MEDMOS. Yes, I know, I know that WP:Consensus can change. Being talked to like a WP:Newbie irritates me. This thread is not about any of that, however. But, again, this discussion is busted; so whatever. Flyer22 (talk) 08:04, 28 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Flyer, can we, in our minds, wind this thread back, and stop at the point where you have written your opening paragraph. There is no way I want to respond to the way you subsequently framed issues. But I'm entirely in agreement with what you said in the first paragraph. However, it is a mistake to think that lines are being drawn in some irrevocable way, or that some damage is being done just because some articles are being tagged. A bot can always simply reconfigure the tagging if a better solution eventuates. I agree with Tom and with WP:Spinout that there is no need for haste. Two separate projects seem necessary at present if animal anatomy is to find breathing space. As animal anatomy finds some ground and it turns out that the sky doesn't fall, the matter can be revisited. --Epipelagic (talk) 19:37, 28 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I think that's quite reasonable. Whether the articles/editors are here as a task force or not doesn't really influence what will go on editing-wise, in my opinion. As WhatAmIDoing mentioned in the previous discussion, the key to a WikiProject's success is activity and editing, and I think that's key to the Animal Anatomy WP too. So I think we can wait 6 months or one year and see how active either project is, and what the editors are feeling then... if by chance either project is not active they we can consider a merge, if not, well no harm done. I'm confident that most editors are reasonable and I'm sure we'll find a happy equilibrium. I agree having a place to put animal anatomy articles is pretty important, being able to understand the scope and breadth of our articles here has played a big role in changes (see our first newsletter for that), and it will probably be the same in animal anatomy. --Tom (LT) (talk) 20:49, 28 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Epipelagic, I didn't state, nor do I think I suggested that, "lines are being drawn in some irrevocable way, or that some damage is being done just because some articles are being tagged." But I appreciate your latest approach on this matter (your "19:37, 28 October 2014 (UTC)" post), de-escalating any frustration and/or unpleasant/heated responses. Flyer22 (talk) 23:45, 28 October 2014 (UTC)

Under the circumstances, I support the creation of an Animal Anatomy project. The anatomy of many invertebrate groups has really been quite extensively studied, and much of the anatomy of invertebrates simply cannot be fitted in as subsections of articles on human anatomy. Humans don't have anything like a sarcobellum or a love Dart, a hinge line, and so on and so forth. There are dozens of examples just from gastropods and bivalves, let alone the other invertebrate phyla. Invertzoo (talk) 21:53, 29 October 2014 (UTC)

Mesentery - narrower or broader definition?
Right, there is some talk about whether we merge Transverse mesocolon, Sigmoid mesocolon, Mesoappendix and Root of the mesentery into mesentery - all depends on how narrowly or broadly we define mesentery - either "mesentery proper", which is just of small bowel, or the whole lot - so what do folks wanna do? Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 05:29, 6 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Just to add to the confusion there is also Mesenteric organ. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 07:03, 6 October 2014 (UTC)
 * See, I've never heard it called that. Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 20:06, 6 October 2014 (UTC)
 * No, neither have I, at least not before coming across that article. In any case I think the mesocolon articles should be merged to mesocolon, but I'm still deliberating whether I think they should all be merged under mesentery. As for mesenteric lymph nodes I think it would do much better as part of a larger article. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 21:02, 6 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I'm very invested in medical/anatomy nomenclature so I had to check this out. I found exactly two references to "mesenteric organ" (i.e. Two scientific articles: one on abdominal organ development from 1996 and one on abdominal anatomy naming conventions from 2014). From a strict biology definition the mesentery is an organ. However, I have never heard the mesentery referred to as the mesenteric organ and I just finished my GI block in medical school so there are several sources fresh in my mind. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 17:50, 12 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Agree that Mesenteric organ does sound a little like a neologism. It's strange that we don't have the article heart organ? (this is not said seriously!) --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:04, 10 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Broader: We know that the mesentery is a single organ and none of the specific articles appear to be so extensive as to require individual pages. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 17:50, 12 October 2014 (UTC)


 * The mesentery, is of course, the mesentery of the gi tract. I think that an article on the mesentery should be the main article for the embryology of the mesentery, as well as basic anatomy. Do not forget that the esophagus has a mesentery in part of its embryological development and looses it. I think that the detail of the subdivisions of the mesentery would be best described in separate linked articles, except for the the mesentery of the appendix could be incorporated in another article. My assumption is that the daughter articles will turn out to be fairly long in the fullness of time. Also, mesentery can be a general term - other structures have a mesentery; see, mesovarium, mesosalpinx], and [[mesometrium. Snowman (talk) 19:34, 30 October 2014 (UTC)

Diagrams for patellofemoral pain syndrome requested
What images would be best to illustrate the above page,? Currently has no images at all. Many thanks, 94.72.198.147 (talk) 12:16, 25 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Maybe an image of the patella and femur, with areas affected highlighted in red? Would that work? It would be quite simple to create with Anatomography. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 07:13, 30 September 2014 (UTC)

Looks great, thank you.

Also is anyone interested in collaborating on the page? Not purely anatomy topic I suppose but worth a try. Matthew Ferguson 57 (talk) 17:54, 1 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I'd love to, I'm only very busy at the moment. If I know you're working on it I might pop by! -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 19:39, 5 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Sorry for the late reply,, I'd be very interested in editing any of the anatomy articles that relate to the article. --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:50, 10 October 2014 (UTC)
 * ✅ image created (not by me) --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:48, 1 November 2014 (UTC)

Anatomy software
Hi. What software is generally use when making images with markings of anatomical structures (e.g. red-coloured frontal bone on the skull)? Is it the Anatomography software (which seems to be down, at least for me), or are there other open source softwares as well? Thanks. — Gaute chat 12:10, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * It's up for me at http://lifesciencedb.jp/bp3d/?lng=en, and yes that is the most common one, User:Was a bee has written a couple of excellent guides:
 * User:Was a bee/Image and Animation tips
 * User:Was a bee/Tips
 * -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 17:31, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Thank you CFCF for introducing. There are many anatomy softwares on Internet though, most of them are fully copyrighted (to say, we can not use that on Wikipedia). But if you use softwares for your own personal use, here is a small list of anatomy softwares (commons:User:Was_a_bee). --Was a bee (talk) 03:29, 2 November 2014 (UTC)

G-spot is possible GA
G-spot has not been rated in relation to WP:Anatomy but WikiProject Sexuality has rated it as a good article. I am not very familiar with GA-criteria; could some one who is have a quick look at the article and see if "we" (WP:AN) agrees it is up to GA standards. Kind regards JakobSteenberg (talk) 23:53, 1 November 2014 (UTC)


 * JakobSteenberg, see where this matter has already been discussed: Wikipedia talk:Wikipedia Signpost/2014-09-03/WikiProject report. The G-spot article is a WP:Good article and therefore should be rated as a WP:Good article by WP:Anatomy (or at least rated by WP:Anatomy instead of being non-rated as it currently is by the project), but there are concerns that the article needs improvement. So, as a compromise, I will improve the article before re-listing it as a WP:Anatomy WP:Good article. Flyer22 (talk) 00:58, 2 November 2014 (UTC


 * Ah, sorry. I haven´t been following the discussions in here very closely lately (life got in the way). Thanks for the quick answer and the promise of taking a look at it. JakobSteenberg (talk) 19:07, 2 November 2014 (UTC)

Is this picture a featured image?


See right. Perhaps I've been working on Anatomy articles too long, but I personally find this image quite appealing, and hence have nominated it for featured picture status here: Wikipedia:Featured_picture_candidates/Left_femur_of_extinct_elephant. --Tom (LT) (talk) 20:14, 3 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Without sense of scale or uniqueness, it's just a bone to most observers. -- Scray (talk) 20:49, 3 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Yes, but it is a very well-presented bone! I challenge you to find an image of similar calibre in the commons category here: . --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:20, 3 November 2014 (UTC)

Renaming the Male reproductive system article
Opinions are needed on the following matter: Talk:Male reproductive system. A WP:Permalink to the discussion is here. Flyer22 (talk) 06:10, 27 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks for pointing this out, . On further exploration there's a whole suite of articles related to this:


 * Reproductive system
 * Sex organ
 * Mammalian reproduction
 * Human reproductive system
 * Human reproduction
 * Male reproductive system
 * Female reproductive system
 * Sexual reproduction
 * Evolution of sexual reproduction
 * This is in addition to the Animal x sections
 * Canine reproduction (Canine reproductive system)
 * Avian reproductive system
 * Fish reproductive anatomy
 * Reproductive system of gastropods
 * Reproductive system of planarians
 * Plant reproductive morphology

What would be the opinion of other users in terms of: Thoughts? This is a very large suite of articles. Please add extra articles if there are any missing.--Tom (LT) (talk) 06:55, 27 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 1) Centralising most human information in one spot, Human reproductive system
 * 2) Redirecting Male and Female there and then leaving a hatnote to explain information in more general form is at Reproductive system
 * 3) Moving information on the reproductive system in animals from Sexual reproduction to Reproductive system so that it's not duplicated between two articles.
 * 4) Doing a sweep of all the articles to correct hatnotes to redirects, of which there are many.
 * 5) Creating a 'reproductive system' anatomical series (but limiting it to articles so-named that are general overviews, not specific structures which are covered in the navboxes)


 * Despite the many unneeded subheadings at the Reproductive system article, that article is not as big as those many subheadings make it out to be, and, in its current state, it has sections that require expansion. And, of course, some animal content from that article could be validly moved to the Male reproductive system article to cover non-human male animals. So that is why I don't yet see a need to have the Male reproductive system article moved back to the Human male reproductive system title. I'm not keen on the idea of merging the Male reproductive system and Female reproductive system articles, but if it works (and, going by the relatively little bit of content in both articles, it will) and saves space (not that Wikipedia is paper), go ahead with that. Whether you use a WP:Hatnote in that case or not, there should be a WP:Summary style section about humans in the Reproductive system article; as you can see, there currently is one. And regarding reproductive system material concerning animals being in the Sexual reproduction article, of course that content should be there. It obviously should not be the case that all of it is moved from that article; a very sufficient WP:Summary style section should be included there; and by "very sufficient," I mean covering all the bases and not being very small. Flyer22 (talk) 07:23, 27 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Also, everyone, remember that there is no need to ping me via WP:Echo to pages that you know are on my WP:Watchlist (unless you reasonably think that I might overlook the discussion). WP:Anatomy is, of course, on my WP:Watchlist. Flyer22 (talk) 07:24, 27 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Update: some articles above are redirects, I'm correcting the links to those to point to the correct articles and marking them as redirects above. --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:56, 3 November 2014 (UTC)
 * To keep this discussion centralised I'm moving it to WP:ANAN. --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:11, 3 November 2014 (UTC)


 * WP:ANAT currently redirects to WP:Anatomy; you mean WikiProject Animal anatomy. In the future, I think it would best that you simply WP:Hatnote a discussion instead of striking through it, especially since striking through others' comments is not standard. Flyer22 (talk) 22:25, 3 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks for pointing that out. I've altered the link to point to the correct place. Sorry about that, I wasn't sure what to do and considered strikethrough the most visually striking. Do you mean use the 'close discussion' box or other hatnotes? --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:32, 3 November 2014 (UTC)

What to do with very small nerves/nerve branches?
I have two questions I think we need to address:

1. Very small nerves I struck upon the Levator ani nerve article, which is a stub in the sense it is a single sentence. With 297 g-scholar hits it isn't insignificant, but I don't know how relevant the article will ever be. Should every nerve have an article, and is this actually an independent nerve or should it be considered a branch of the S4 spinal nerve? Should it be merged to that article?

2. Nerve branches This also brings up the question whether we really should have articles such as Temporal branches of the facial nerve? And why don't we have Tonsillary branch of facial artery? Nerves are arguably more important, especially as this specific artery is often redundant due to the anastomoses, but this isn't always the case. If we have agreement, I would like to merge all the nerve branch articles, starting with those in the following table:

This would result in a better overall coverage of cranial nerves for a start. I don't think anyone is actually going to find the branch articles. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 18:43, 8 October 2014 (UTC)


 * I realized we do have the Tonsillar branch of the facial artery. So that argument falls, but the question arises if we should have this as well? Especially considering most of them are only based on Gray's 1918 entries, and don't mention any modern surgery. (For example damage to the tonsillar branch upon tonsillectomy (with it's signs and symptoms, primarily shock due to bloodloss), and subsequent radiological intervention.) -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 18:45, 8 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Hi, thanks for bringing this up, it's been on my mind for a while, too. I have always felt that, essentially (1) these terms are just adjectival, ie there is an end-branch from nerve X to structure Y so we have an article to describe that (2) users are unlikely to search for these articles or view them (3) they should be rolled into the article about the branch from which they emnate, and (4) I agree that we mainly have these articles because of the Grey's 1918 classification that could be easily covered as subsections within larger articles. I agree that this would dramatically improve the coverage of nerves. I'm reticent to perform too many merges though -- ie from the end branch to the main nerve. --Tom (LT) (talk) 09:20, 9 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Okay, I'm strapped for time at the moment, but I'm going to add "merging of branch articles to main nerve/artery", or something along the lines of that to the projects to do list.
 * If I understand you, ff something is referred to as an independent nerve you don't think it should me merged? As it would require a major effort in any case, and I think we need to discuss such merges on a case by case basis I will leave the levator ani nerve for now. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 14:09, 9 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I think that named branches should "probably" be merged, whereas unnamed branches (eg "branch from nerve X to muscle Y") should "almost definitely" be merged. As I understand it, Iztwoz and I generally propose merges as we find the articles using Twinkle with a short merge proposition, and then deal with it a month afterwards. That way any users who feel strongly about it or want to point out something we've looked over can contribute. In addition some mergers which may seem like a good idea might not when the full spectrum of mergers has been proposed (eg if it turns out you'll be merging 5-10 articles will overwhelm the parent article or turn it into a list) I frankly would not be surprised if there is a neurophysiologist who specialises in Temporal branches of the facial nerve just waiting for the chance to participate... What are your thoughts on a more gradual approach like this?--Tom (LT) (talk) 22:13, 10 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Most of the articles are only a couple of sentences, and merging them into the main article will likely increase the likelyhood they will be improved upon. These small articles were created years back by Arcadian, and have barely been edited since their creation. do not use the same citation templates as we have today. I think what we need is some type of anatomical WP:NOTE, and I'm going to be drafting a few suggestions in the coming days for WP:MEDMOS. I'm unsure if this goes there or somewhere else. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 15:38, 11 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Took me some time but now I really understand what you're on about, . In my opinion we really do not need six articles about the superior thyroid artery, such information is much better presented in a single article. NOTE would help in this respect. --Tom (LT) (talk) 00:30, 7 November 2014 (UTC)

Anatomical compartments of leg/arm
Structures in the legs and arms are separated into fascial compartments.

For example, we have fascial compartments of leg and: We also have articles on the intramuscular septae which separate them:
 * Anterior compartment of leg
 * Lateral compartment of leg
 * Posterior compartment of leg
 * Transverse intermuscular septum
 * Medial intermuscular septum of thigh
 * Crural intermuscular septum

(we may have others, too)

Would these be better represented in a single article, such as changing Fascial compartments of leg to a list? Currently I find the structure confusing and by virtue of having so many articles I am not quite sure what educational benefit it would be to readers, whereas in one place (if done well) it could convey quite a lot of information in a somewhat clearer format. Thoughts? --Tom (LT) (talk) 23:02, 25 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Ping to, as we may have discussed this previously.


 * I'm unfamiliar with the general topic so shouldn't really comment, but some of the articles you list above do appear quite short and might be better merged. Matthew Ferguson 57 (talk) 21:42, 1 November 2014 (UTC)


 * Merge: To allied health workers and anatomists these compartments are different and knowing of them as independent entities is valuable. That being said, I do not think this is exceptionally valuable to the average reader and a better understanding of them would definitely be achieved by merging the articles. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 01:54, 8 November 2014 (UTC)

Clarifying the scope on the project page
CFCF, how does this change help visitors to this project? All it does is give them the false impression that WikiProject Anatomy is only about human anatomy and that all decisions regarding non-human animal anatomy is to be in the domain of WikiProject Animal anatomy, as has been noted. It isn't. That is why I clarified the scope in the way that I did; it should not matter that Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy is linked lower in the Related WikiProjects section. We can also forgo mentioning Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy in the Scope section; but the fact that WikiProject Anatomy is not only about humans should be clarified, in my opinion. Flyer22 (talk) 22:41, 3 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I removed it because I thought all that wording was doing was linking to WikiProject Animal Anatomy. Despite that I agree with you about needing to clarify our scope, but I would go with a different wording. And as WP Animal Anatomy now exists maybe it is better for us to explicitly cover comparative anatomy rather than pure animal anatomy? -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 10:34, 5 November 2014 (UTC)


 * WP:MEDMOS is clear that we explicitly cover comparative anatomy. What do you mean by "pure animal anatomy"? In any case, per above, it's clear that we shouldn't give the impression that all non-human animal anatomy content is the domain of Wikipedia:WikiProject Animal anatomy. Flyer22 (talk) 11:56, 5 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Well when I mean pure I men that which has no direct human counterpart or is very dissimilar to human strucutres in ways that don't further the understanding of evolution or development. That said it doesn't matter greatly to me, and I would be willing to have something similar to your addition, but a little less ambiguous that our main focus is humans. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 12:06, 5 November 2014 (UTC)
 * For my 2 cents, the more I explore this topic, and per Invertzoo's comment above, there are hundreds of animal-only anatomical articles. Seeing as animal anatomy exists, I think most purely animal articles should be put there and we should focus on human anatomy and structures that relate to it (eg embryological remnants, etc). I think it's worthwhile clarifying this in our scope as Flyer22 did, as the animal anatomy WikiProject might not be known be all editors. --Tom (LT) (talk) 20:48, 5 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I second Tom's opinion. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 02:19, 8 November 2014 (UTC)

proposed merger
of Vaginal portion of cervix to cervix. Talk at Talk:Cervix Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 21:47, 12 November 2014 (UTC)

Thoracic spinal nerves
Currently, all the thoracic vertebrae (1-12) are incorporated into the Thoracic vertebrae article. Conversely, the thoracic spinal nerves (1-12) have separate articles, and they are generally very short. Maybe they too should be incorporated into the Thoracic nerves article. Thoughts? — Gaute chat - email - sign 10:45, 7 November 2014 (UTC)
 * While spinal nerves and vertebra aren't really comparable when it comes to complexity I agree the articles should be merged. Even if they were thoroughly expanded it would still be excessive to have an article on each nerve. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 13:31, 7 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Originally there were separate articles, but I've tried to merge them because it helps nobody to have 12 separate articles. My plan, consensus permitting, is to have 'lists' (List of lumbar spinal nerves, List of thoraic spinal nerves) and merge the nerves into there, with the lead/introduction provided by Thoraic spinal nerves). --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:05, 7 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I think it's a great idea. Lists would eliminate the headaches of looking up every single nerve. — Gaute chat - email - sign 12:33, 9 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Alright, I've merged the lumbar spinal nerves into here: List of lumbar nerves (and redirected each article to the subsectinos). I'm not too sure on the title -- should it be moved back to Lumbar spinal nerves or List of lumbar spinal nerves? If this model is acceptable, I will do the same for the other nerves. --Tom (LT) (talk) 02:58, 12 November 2014 (UTC)
 * The original planned merges of regional nerves to Spinal nerve slow to take place - but cervical, thoracic and lumbar nerves now merged into spinal nerve - same planned for sacral and coccygeal. Really don't think that turning them into lists will help any. As it is the individually listed nerves need only to be redirects to Spinal nerves sections - their noted functions are largely if not totally covered by your added Action of nerves template. Also think it would help if page name changed to Spinal nerves. Iztwoz (talk) 08:13, 12 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I'm not too sure. I like the idea that there is somewhere where we explicitly document exactly what each spinal nerve does, as that's both unique, helpful and encyclopedic. However as you mention it does significantly duplicate the 'spinal nerves' article. I think in larger groups (eg the 12 of thoracic nerves) this approach will be useful, and it will, I hope, satisfy future editors who may wish to resplit, by devoting an individual section to each of the nerves. What do other editors think? --Tom (LT) (talk) 05:20, 13 November 2014 (UTC)

Applying WP Anatomy's guidelines on headings
The Vagina article describes the anatomy of the vagina. I will be interested to hear views about how to apply this projects headings guidelines (see Manual_of_Style/Medicine-related_articles) to this article. Note that I am aware that the heading system can be adapted to suite individual articles. I am also aware that the usability of the Wikipedia as an encyclopaedia is improved by consistent presentation where possible. If anyone is interested in expressing opinions or observations about page organization, then please participate in the discussion on headings at: Talk:Vagina. Snowman (talk) 14:40, 9 November 2014 (UTC)

Note: I also commented on this matter to Snowmanradio at the Cervix article talk page, where he wants to change a heading at that article. I told him at both article talk pages that we do not have to be as strict with the headings as he seems to be interpreting the guideline. At the Vagina article, he seemingly wants us to follow the guideline exactly while at the Cervix article he wants us to let up on it a little. Flyer22 (talk) 14:48, 9 November 2014 (UTC)


 * If anyone wants to participate in the discussion on the Cervix page, then that is fine by me; however, the discussion on the cervix talk page appears to have concluded in an amicable way. On the Cervix talk page, I asked questions about one of the headings and User Flyer22 kindly answered with a Wikilink to WP Anatomy's guidelines on headings, which has helped me to reflect on the consistency of presentation of anatomy articles on the Wiki. Snowman (talk) 15:02, 9 November 2014 (UTC)


 * I linked to the more general WP:MEDSECTIONS, which clarifies that we don't have to be strict with following WP:MEDMOS's suggested layouts. Flyer22 (talk) 15:22, 9 November 2014 (UTC)
 * A sub-section containing guidelines on anatomy headings is under that main section. Snowman (talk) 15:36, 9 November 2014 (UTC)


 * Yes, but that is not what I pointed to when replying to you at the Cervix article talk page; there was no need for me to point there, since you'd already pointed there. That is why I clarified the matter above. Flyer22 (talk) 15:41, 9 November 2014 (UTC)
 * My invitation here is to the discuss the organization of the Wiki anatomy article on the vagina. I would regard any remarks about the cervix article to be largely irrelevant here. Strike out above where I have accidentally quoted wrong wikilink. Snowman (talk) 15:51, 9 November 2014 (UTC)


 * The title of this section is "Applying WP Anatomy's guidelines on headings"; that is why I brought up the aforementioned Cervix article discussion. Or might bring up the Heart article, like I did here before removing mention of it. How was I to know that you'd decided to go with the "Development" heading simply because the anatomy guideline uses that heading, even though "Embryology" or "Embryological development" mean the same exact thing as "development" in this case and can be argued as clearer than "Development"? Even with you having decided to go with "Development," that discussion could use more opinions, such as making it clear in the anatomy guideline that "Embryology" or "Embryological development" would be fine as headings as well, since, apparently, that's not already clear by reading that guideline. My whole point is that if something is better for the article, such as a clearer heading, we should go with that instead of exactly sticking with a guideline. I was not trying to highjack this thread; it's that this thread has a general title, which I feel is a good thing, and therefore applies to more than just the Vagina article. Flyer22 (talk) 16:08, 9 November 2014 (UTC)

Thanks for bringing this up, I've responded in the article (Talk:Cervix). --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:30, 14 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Re-think: All constructive comments about applying the WP Anatomy guidelines on heading are welcome. Examples where there has been recent discussion about headings are at Talk:Vagina and at Talk:Cervix. There may be other examples too. Snowman (talk) 16:52, 9 November 2014 (UTC)

11 different infobox-templates
I'm planning to do some template work within this project, and thought I'd bring it up here first. Currently our project uses no less than 11 different infobox-template for different structures in the body.
 * Template:Infobox anatomy
 * Template:Infobox bone
 * Template:Infobox nerve
 * Template:Infobox brain
 * Template:Infobox vein
 * Template:Infobox artery
 * Template:Infobox embryology
 * Template:Infobox muscle
 * Template:Infobox ligament
 * Template:Infobox neuron
 * Template:Infobox lymph

And I'm not even entirely sure this is all of them. My suggestion is to merge these into a single Template:Infobox anatomy, if needed with the following format to differentiate (replace bone with w/e): This makes it simpler if we wish to introduce a new class in the future, and also allows for maintaining only one page. To avoid extra work this can also be accomplished by redirecting old templates using the following:
 * class = bone

Now, as for the why: I suggest we stop using links to Gray's in the infoboxes. There is today much newer, better content on the web, and Gray's doesn't add much. A better way to solve this would be to implement some form of Atlas parameter, which could include Gray's, Sobotta's, Grant's, Anatomography etc. We would want these types of changes to occur on all the infoboxes at once. Additionally I want us to use TA, TH & TE more, and implementing this centrally would be simpler. I don't know if I've explained well enough and this is by no means anything that will occur very soon, but I just wanted to give a heads up that I may work on this. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 12:57, 7 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Sounds sound. Not to teach you, but I got this first response in mind (I did a similar merge elsewhere).
 * First: split the tasks. Step 1: merge them all, and make that work correct. Then take a break. Step 2: when centralized into a single point template, change the Gray-issues you mention. Because, in the first step you might encounter situations of same-parametername with different-result (like calculation or presentation). When solved, the second step can take the discussion. (Not with me, I'm not into this project). -DePiep (talk) 19:22, 7 September 2014 (UTC)
 * And I always keep record of these parameters in one big spreadsheet, offline. That is my main control page (so not a wikipage). It even helps me from first overview till into documenting. -DePiep (talk) 19:27, 7 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Yes, I mentioned the Gray-issue simply to give an idea of what could be done with one single template. Thanks for the tips, and this won't be anything fast, I just wanted to know if this was worth putting effort into. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 07:33, 8 September 2014 (UTC)

Good idea CFCF. I agree, it is very confusing having this situation. We could start by rolling some of the smaller ones in. While we are talking about infoboxes, some other changes I'd like to see are: I think there are two main reasons for the existing infoboxes. (1) is to separate out different things, eg for categorisation (2) is because of the unique 'action' parameter for each box (muscle movement, etc). I think we could have a general 'function' parameter that holds this information. I actually created a template here User:LT910001/sandbox/Infobox demonstration to test some things out, the 'mnemonic' parameter is by no means one I feel should be included in an infobox that's used, feel free to play around. --Tom (LT) (talk) 06:58, 8 September 2014 (UTC)
 * 1) Insert a 'Greek' paremeter so we have the two relevant base languages
 * 2) Separate content into 'identifiers' (Gray's anatomy, TA) and 'Details' (origin, insertion, ...) and possibly external resources too.
 * 3) Remove the colouring of artery/vein, as it's distracting and confusing to have so many colours (eg when a structure has artery/vein/lymph/nerve all coloured)
 * 4) Merge into a single infobox
 * 5) Have links to the relevant 'Anatomical terminology' displayed relevant to the type of box.
 * Cool, I'll take a look – and as for categorization, it is possible to do this with a parameter as well.


 * 1) As for the Greek parameter, I've already added that about a week ago at Template:Infobox anatomy, and if we merge them it will be present in all of the infoboxes– for uses see Heart, Spleen, Abdomen.
 * 2) It would be possible to simple have an atlas field and use it to link to templates.
 * 3) Interesting you say that, I would have thought that to be the major factor behind actually using the templates, but I don't really find them all that useful either, and they aren't present in all the derivation of the infoboxes either.
 * 4) Once I get a hang of the if-code that is needed this won't be that hard to implement either, it would all be down to the new class= parameter.
 * -- -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 07:33, 8 September 2014 (UTC)


 * Merging 11 templates seems very nice idea. Without loss of information for readers, we can get easier maintainable infobox. --Was a bee (talk) 18:26, 13 September 2014 (UTC)


 * Increased adherence to the TA, TH, & TE would greatly improve homology across anatomy pages and simplify the reader experience; I am in favor of that change. If I am reading this correctly it sounds like merging these templates will simplify maintaining and updating individual pages and provide a consistent system for readers to quickly identify relevant information. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 15:34, 18 October 2014 (UTC)

Why need to classify within anatomy?
Allow me. Why need for your parameter bone in new anatomy? If you prepare well, you can avoid this requirement. It requires removing double parameter meaning (in those 11).

For example. In infobox bone there is Articulations. Let's assume (for argument, & fun) that Infobox brain has this parameter too. One better resolve this contradiction within anatomy, before requiring a "class=" parameter. So, best aim at: no class requirement at all. -DePiep (talk) 00:01, 10 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Well this would lose us the benefit of applying categories through the templates. While I don't think this is a specially good solution, it would be quite a lot of work to reclassify everything. Then again, much is being reclassified through the rater tool anyway, but those parameters aren't really the same. There we have gross anatomy and embryology, but nothing like bone or muscle. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 10:49, 10 September 2014 (UTC)
 * I think this requirement relates to some unique parameters, . For example, muscle templates might have an origin/insertion parameter that others might not. --Tom (LT) (talk) 02:12, 30 September 2014 (UTC)
 * LT, this will cause no problem. The other way around could: one parameter name, two meanings. But even that is solved by CFCF's approach to keep & use the information that is now in the infobox name (bone). This will auto-classify (& categorize) pages. So my original point here is rejected with good reason. -DePiep (talk) 09:34, 30 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Update, it has just occurred to me that Infobox anatomy has already been equipped with a 'System' parameter which is more-or-less what you're proposing. Perhaps we could utilise that? --Tom (LT) (talk) 03:19, 21 October 2014 (UTC)

Making some gradual changes
if there are no objections I'm going to make one or two changes to Infobox anatomy per our above discussions. I won't be changing the parameter names, so this shouldn't affect your merging. I've separated out the issues in case there is any discussion, and also noted this discussion on the Anatomy infobox.--Tom (LT) (talk) 23:17, 5 October 2014 (UTC)

Removing colours
OK I want to ask what the opinions of other users are on removing colours from the infobox? I take it you're nonchalant about changes. I'd like to see them removed, because I think they do not look professional, are difficult to read, are not (with the exception of artery/vein)　easy to read, and I think they look quite ugly (eg. on mobile, screen, and print editions). What are the opinions of other users? --Tom (LT) (talk) 23:17, 5 October 2014 (UTC)


 * Put it this way, I find them useful. That doesn't mean a reader would, seeing as I'm used to them, and know what they mean. That said the only ones I really like are artery, vein and nerve. I think artery and vein are decent in their color, nerve isn't. Maybe we could get rid of the others and keep these three. Their colors are intuitive, and are therefore likely useful to a reader, as for any of the others, I don't think they help the reader.
 * Also an example of a nerve color that is easier on the eyes.


 * As you say, I'm not too bothered if you chose to do away with them completely, but I think these three give some functionality. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 16:11, 11 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Due to an error with infobox formatting, it seems the rowstyles aren't appearing, so you can have a look at what it would look like without the colours (see eg Heart), in my mind a definite improvement. --Tom (LT) (talk) 00:41, 1 November 2014 (UTC)

Separating content
I think we should definitely separate the content in the infobox into 'Description' and 'Identifiers' areas. This will assist with readability by making things related to describing the structure much more clear, vs. the TA and Grey's resources, which should be placed in a separate section. It also makes it easier to add resources to this section. I think you propose the same idea, 'Identifiers' being called 'Atlas'. Is that right? Are there any other thoughts on this?--Tom (LT) (talk) 23:17, 5 October 2014 (UTC)
 * I have made the change to Infobox anatomy, separating fields into 'details' and 'identifiers'. I feel this is easier to read, an example can be found at Ovary and other articles. --Tom (LT) (talk) 03:16, 21 October 2014 (UTC)
 * The change seems works well. Thank you for editing. --Was a bee (talk) 02:49, 16 November 2014 (UTC)

Input on Scapula Article
I just finished my first significant contribution on the to do list by merging Medial border of the scapula into the Borders section of the scapula article. Since this is my first time making a significant edit to a major article I would really appreciate any feed back. I tried to remove technical terminology and simplify/condense the content where possible. Specifically I was hoping to get an opinion on: Thanks for your time. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 04:21, 13 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Could the new content be easily interpreted by a lay reader?
 * Is the remaining content appropriate in depth and scope?
 * I had a look at the changes that User:HoneyBadger4 made to the scapula article. Actually, I think that it can be followed, except I think that the part about the muscles would be a bit difficult for a general reader. I have put most of the caps to lower case, because muscles are not capitalized, as far as I am aware. I wonder if the supraspinatus and infraspinatus need to be mentioned as muscles related to the medial border, because they have both got extensive attachments to the posterior surface and are mentioned in the main muscles in of the posterior surface. Note also that subscapularis features as the main muscle on the anterior surface. See the table at Scapula, which gives the main areas of muscle attachment. Of course, the general reader would find it a lot easier looking at diagrammes with the muscle attachments shown on the bone. Add in-line references. What do you think? Snowman (talk) 13:52, 13 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I agree with those statements. I was attempting to preserve as much of the original text as possible but content on supra/infraspinatus is not necessary. I'll site an anatomy atlas to provide reliable a inline citation and remove the pure Latin muscle names. The names are already based in Latin roots. No need to confuse readers further. Thanks for the advice. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 16:03, 15 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Good, you have edited it to a plateau of development. It was a good idea to use more readable muscle names. In general, I think that Wiki anatomy articles have a lot of problems, so I think it would have been prudent to check content before merging these anatomy articles. Snowman (talk) 23:25, 17 November 2014 (UTC)

Displacement (orthopedic surgery) needs work
Greetings Project Anatomy! I think this article falls under your purview and it has no references at all: Displacement (orthopedic surgery). Best. - - MrBill3 (talk) 03:44, 17 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I think this would fall under the medicine wikiproject since it is about a definition in relation to orthopedic surgery. See a link to the site below HoneyBadger4 (talk) 15:35, 17 November 2014 (UTC)
 * The topic on fractures is at Bone_fracture. The topic on joints is at valgus deformity and varus deformity. These are clinical topics. Snowman (talk) 00:15, 18 November 2014 (UTC)

Including TA number using Template:Infobox ligament?
Hey all! I've recently begun splenocolic ligament, and wanted to use Template:Infobox ligament on the page. It's a relatively obscure ligament and so there's not a lot of info, but it is in Terminologia Anatomica (located at number A10.1.02.210). I've seen other pages include this using this template but I couldn't figure out how they did it (for example, ligamentum arteriosum &mdash; note that there's no part of the infobox that allows you to enter a TA98 number). Can someone please help me out? Thanks! Kyle Barbour 07:32, 20 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Hi . Though manual has not yet prepared, TA number is stored at Wikidata and recalled from there (wikidata:Q18559625). I edited at there. --Was a bee (talk) 08:52, 20 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks! I didn't realize that. Much appreciated. Kyle Barbour 16:56, 20 November 2014 (UTC)

Network medicine
This article was recently created by a new (and so far single purpose) editor and is too technical for me to understand if it is synthesis, original research, or just a valid topic. I tagged it but thought I would bring it up here, too. Couple someone check it out? Thank you!! EBY (talk) 22:14, 20 November 2014 (UTC)
 * , you're looking for WT:MED. -- CFCF  🍌 (email) 13:13, 22 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Thanks. ~ EBY (talk) 15:49, 22 November 2014 (UTC)

New Table of Anatomy Terms
I am considering creating a list of most currently used anatomy terminology. I would then post this on a wikipedia page. It would include all of the following organized in a row:
 * Latin Name (Based on Terminologia Anatomica)
 * Current English Name (Based on Terminologia Anatomica)
 * Etymology (This would likely be added later)
 * Unofficial Clinical Terms (Based on clinical text books and the knowledge of the wikipedia community)
 * Alternative Names (Based on clinical text books and the knowledge of the wikipedia community)

Understand that this is a rough proof of concept. I would make sure to improve the aesthetics and grammar of the actual table.

The goal is:
 * Make the international standard available & easily searchable to all editors and readers
 * To simplify communication between individuals with classical vs contemporary anatomy educations
 * Alleviate confusion given the 50000+ anatomy terms that have been used over the past century, in the English language alone, to describe roughly 6000 components of the human body. If it is appropriate I hope to eventually include slang terms as well.
 * Just to put it all in one place and be done with it!

This would take some time. It would also require the collective input of of the community to be truly complete. However, I believe that it would be valuable as similar table, though for different purposes, have facilitated better access to large bodies of knowledge. An example is the Wikipedia List of muscles of the human body. Before I jump into this project I would like to get the opinion of the community: HoneyBadger4 (talk) 15:36, 16 November 2014 (UTC)
 * 1) Do you feel that you would benefit from this type of resource?
 * 2) Will lay or specialist readers benefit from it?
 * 3) Does it already exist? (I found and older version after digging online that I have extracted to begin this project)
 * 4) Are there any obvious logistical problems that I am not aware of? (As a new editor I find this happens a lot)
 * 5) Any suggestions for additional columns/content?
 * It's clear you've put a lot of thought into this, and I think having this information would be very useful. I'll briefly note how we do it at the moment for comparison, HoneyBadger4. Currently, the name of the structure and Latin name are included in the infobox on each article. The etymology, if it has Greek roots, is included there or in the 'History/Etymology' section. The standard name is linked to in the 'TA' entry (although that's not very clear to end users). The unofficial / clinical names are generally included in the lead sentence.
 * My thoughts on this are that we have 4,500 articles, so filling this table on each article is going to be very effort-intensive (I am not sure if you mean you will create a List of article or not -- if you are, great!). If other users think it's relevant, another way to do what you suggest would be to include an 'alternate names' field in the Infobox anatomy template. I've mulled doing something like that for common abbreviations. That way, it can be included automatically in our articles, and Wikipedia editors are generally familiar with infoboxes, but may not be familiar with the table (or may assume it's used in only a few articles). --Tom (LT) (talk) 22:07, 16 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I would definitely include every anatomy article in the table. But, it would include more. It would also include common anatomy terminology (e.g. superior, superior, above) latin, english, and common. In short everything that is in the TA will have a row in the table. I could definitely add a column for common abbreviations as well or incorporate them into the other columns. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 03:18, 17 November 2014 (UTC)
 * Another option would be to put all of this into Wikidata. Then, both the article's infobox and this table could pull the same data from there. And if any changes are made, they would automatically update in both places. I don't think all of the fields are currently in Wikidata, but they could likely be added. --Scott Alter (talk) 04:26, 17 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I am not currently aware of wikidata, but I will investigate the topic further. An automated system sounds like it could be a brilliant mechanism to maintain a cohesive reader experience with minimal editor input. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 15:32, 17 November 2014 (UTC)

The TA is similar in concept but it is not easily accessible or searchable. It does not list eponyms with the designated modern term and it does not include any alternative names.
 * Actually, this sounds like a huge task to do manually. Are you planning to use any automated methods? Are there are any other examples of this anywhere? How long do you think it will take you to complete it? What sources are you going to use? How many lines will the completed table have? What is the difference between an unofficial clinical term and an alternative name?  Snowman (talk) 23:54, 17 November 2014 (UTC)
 * 1) Assuming that I am the only person working on this project all data would be entered manually. I am dedicated to the topic but my computer language skills are none existant so I have currently have no means to automate the process.
 * 2) A group of unamed people performed a similar task over a decade ago and posted it as a PDF. I fished this out ten pages deep in a google search and parsed the information into an excel doc. Unfortunately not all the terms are current and I could not get the table formatting to hold on the transfer. So it will take some time to salvage it.
 * 1) Given med school, my 0 gravity research, and boards this May I expect this to take the better part of a year to complete.
 * 2) My primary source will be the current TA. However, I plan to cross reference, Wikipedia Anatomy Articles, Thieme: Anatomy Atlas, Grey's Anatomy 30...something (I forget what number they are on), Moore's Clinical Anatomy text 7E, and any professors, and clinicians, and Wikipedia community members that would lend advice or experience.
 * 3) The completed table will be over 5000 and under 7000 lines but I can't give you any final value currently since I am not sure. Also, I assume the community will have some input as to items included.
 * 4) Some terms are used only by clinicians...or at least I have only heard clinicians use them. For example peroneus longus. Every anatomist I know uses the term fibularis longus as there is no peroneus bone and the word is so close to perineum that some people confuse them. However, I have never heard a non-specialist use either term.

I hope that alternative terms will be a catch all for other terms that do not fall into either category and act as a place for additional terminology so that it does not clutter the left most columns. I also hope that eventually it can be expanded to include and slang terms that wont getting banned from Wikipedia for posting online. In other words, I want to be as inclusive as possible without being profane.

That being said I am more than open to changing some of the categories.HoneyBadger4 (talk) 01:40, 18 November 2014 (UTC)


 * I would guess that 5000 to 7000 lines would not render easily on a webpage. Regional lists would be easier to view as seen at:
 * http://www.med.umich.edu/lrc/coursepages/m1/anatomy2010/html/anatomytables
 * http://www.lumen.luc.edu/lumen/meded/grossanatomy/dissector/mml/index.htm Snowman (talk) 18:24, 18 November 2014 (UTC)


 * It sounds like this project will reduce the time that you have available for your studies, so it might be better to do a project on something that is more relevant to your scheduled college studies instead. Snowman (talk) 18:24, 18 November 2014 (UTC)


 * Automated methods would be helpful, because a list that long would take a long time to write and check using entirely manual methods. Snowman (talk) 18:24, 18 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I definitely agree. I will be talking about this with some of my more technically gifted friends to explore automated methods. However, I'm not sure that many readily available options exist or believe somebody would have done this by now. 24.158.73.113 (talk) 18:47, 18 November 2014 (UTC)
 * To User:HoneyBadger. To me, that sounds like a rather negative assumption about automated methods. I do not know if anyone has tried using automated methods or not to make a big table like the one you are thinking about, but I am sure that automated methods can help. Perhaps, this is something to think about after your exams. Snowman (talk) 12:00, 19 November 2014 (UTC)


 * Could you write a much shorter table explaining the spelling rules of singular and pleural for anatomical names? Snowman (talk) 18:24, 18 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I agree with SMR, this sounds like a rather laborious task. Some less laborious alternatives may be: expanding the Anatomical terminology articles; creating smaller lists (List of anatomical terms derived from Greek, Etymology of anatomical terms) or something like these; becoming heavily involved in Wikidata, particularly so if you want to upload a list of terms; using the list as a guide to editing, working through it and cleaning up the articles + creating redirects as you go; or just keeping that information in mind when you edit an article. --Tom (LT) (talk) 21:36, 18 November 2014 (UTC)


 * I feel 's proposal sounds very nice. However I don't know what type of realization is the good for the motivation, I put here some pages which are similar to current HoneyBadger4's idea.
 * Terminologia Anatomica Online Full list - official page (English and Latin)
 * Usuario:Angelito7/Terminología_Anatómica Full list (Spanish and Latin)
 * If using WikiData (I think this is good), we can call data stored in WikiData at every projects. Here is a my past brief explanation about "How to use WikiData" to another user (I feel happy if this can be of any help). Most relevant project talk page about Anatomy related topics in WikiData would be, I suppose, wikidata:Wikidata talk:WikiProject Medicine. --Was a bee (talk) 13:50, 26 November 2014 (UTC)

After exploring exactly how deep this rabbit hole goes I have decided to withdraw from this specific project while I am still in medical school. There are many different organizations exploring many routes for creating common biology, genetics, anatomy, medical terminologies. They all appear to possess a fundamental knowledge of automated processes and computer science that I lack. Furthermore, I do not have the time to learn about any of these methods currently. But I will say this, one problem with all of the sources that I have found so far is that they are not user friendly. Unless you go out of your way to learn how they work or know some of the information already, a person will never find what they are looking for on any of these search engines, ontology sites, or lists of anatomical terminology (the TA website included). For a language, or set of terms, to be rapidly adopted in this era it has to be the type of open accessible information that will appear on the first page, preferably the first few hits, of a Google search. It also must list all synonyms while clearly highlighting preferred terminology. It has to be open, intuitive, and easy to use and search. I personally feel that wikipedia, +/- wikidata, is one of the only user friendly sources that can deliver on all of these fronts. But for now I will stick with editing Wikipedia articles in my spare time and maybe exploring wikidata when time allows. Guess I'm not good at giving up entirely. HoneyBadger4 (talk) 18:06, 26 November 2014 (UTC)
 * I think that sounds like a good idea, Brian. I have often found on Wikipedia by waiting several weeks another solution to a problem may present itself, and usually the second solution is less labour intensive. There's so much work that needs to be done (just see our WP:ANAT500!) that efforts anywhere will be of benefit to readers.--Tom (LT) (talk) 21:11, 26 November 2014 (UTC)