Leaf through a textbook, watch a wellness influencer or listen in at the gym, and it can feel as though the human body has already been mapped to exhaustion. Every muscle named, every nerve traced. Everything understood and readily available.

Most people recognise at least a few anatomical terms – “traps”, “glutes”, “biceps”. After centuries of dissection, microscopy and medical imaging, it seems reasonable to assume the work is done. Surely anatomy, as a discipline, must be complete?

It isn’t. Not even close.

Since the publication of De Humani Corporis Fabrica by Andreas Vesalius in 1543 – the first comprehensive anatomy book based on direct observation of human dissection – anatomy has carried an air of authority. Vesalius famously corrected centuries of inherited error, challenging the ancient physician Galen through direct observation of the human body. His work helped establish anatomy as an evidence-based science.

Three hundred years later, Gray’s Anatomy by Henry Gray reinforced the impression that the body had finally been catalogued, indexed and neatly organised – a system mapped and fully explained.

But textbooks create a misleading sense of certainty. They present the body as stable, universal and fully agreed upon. Real anatomy is messier than that.

The illusion of completeness

Much of early topographical anatomy – the careful mapping of structures in relation to one another – depended on cadavers obtained through grave robbery.

“Resurrectionists” – body snatchers – exhumed the recently buried, disproportionately targeting the poor, the institutionalised and those without family protection or the financial means to guard graves. These bodies were then sold to anatomists, who relied on them for dissection and teaching.

Working conditions for early anatomists were difficult, and the limitations considerable.

Lighting was poor. Bodies were often malnourished or diseased. Post-mortem change had already altered tissue planes. Sample sizes were small and opportunistic. Demographic information was largely absent, beyond what could be inferred from appearance. The bodies of women were sometimes dissected but rarely reported.

Yet it was under precisely these conditions that anatomists produced the observations that became the foundation of classical anatomical topography.

The anatomical “norm” that emerged from these studies was therefore constructed from a narrow and socially stratified sample.

None of this diminishes the extraordinary technical skill of early anatomists. Their observational ability was remarkable. But the conditions under which they worked inevitably shaped what they saw – and what they missed.

So when we ask whether anatomy is finished, we might also ask a more uncomfortable question: was it ever truly complete in the first place? This question matters scientifically as well as ethically.

For much of the 20th century, anatomical investigation slowed dramatically. By the 1960s, relatively few cadaveric studies were being published worldwide. The assumption was simple: the human body had already been mapped.

Medical education continued, of course, but much of it focused on teaching established knowledge rather than generating new anatomical observations. That apparent stability masked a deeper problem: much of the knowledge had been inherited rather than tested.

Improved imaging techniques, renewed cadaveric research and a growing awareness of anatomical variation have triggered something of a renaissance in anatomical study. Structures once overlooked or poorly described are being re-examined.

Far from being finished, anatomy is rediscovering just how incomplete its map of the human body may be.

Beyond the ‘standard’ human body

One of the most important shifts in modern anatomy has been recognising that variation is the rule rather than the exception. Textbooks present a “typical” body for teaching, but real human anatomy sits along a spectrum.

Human anatomy varies across several dimensions at once. Differences exist between males and females, across the lifespan as the body develops and ages, and between populations shaped by genetics and environment.

Beyond these broad patterns lies enormous individual variation: blood vessels may follow different routes, muscles may be absent or duplicated, and even the folding patterns of the brain differ from person to person. The “standard” anatomy shown in textbooks is therefore best understood not as a universal blueprint, but as a simplified reference point within a wide biological range.

This variation matters far beyond the operating theatre. Differences in nerves, vessels and joints can alter how diseases reveal themselves, influence how scans are interpreted and shape patterns of movement and injury.

Subtle differences in joint alignment may affect the risk of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, while variations in vascular anatomy can influence susceptibility to stroke or aneurysm. Understanding anatomical diversity is therefore central not only to surgery, but also to diagnosis, medical imaging, biomechanics and the study of disease itself.

Even after centuries of study, the human body continues to yield new anatomical insights. Structures once overlooked – from previously unrecognised lymphatic vessels around the brain to overlooked ligaments in the knee – are being re-examined. Familiar tissues are being understood in new ways, and the map of the body is still being revised.

People should know more about their bodies. Greater understanding helps people advocate for their own health and engage more confidently with care. But it is worth remembering that the canonical anatomy presented in textbooks is best understood as a teaching model, not a perfect representation of biological reality. The more closely we study the human body, the more we realise there is still much to learn.

Kevin Danso headed into Jonas Adjetey arms from close range, and Marcel Sabitzer converted from 12 yards after the referee pointed to the spot. That goal was the only difference come half-time, but Austria ran riot when they reemerged. Goals from Michael Gregoritsch and Stefan Posch put the result beyond doubt, before Jordan Ayew secured some consolation with a well-hit solo effort, but even that was matched as Nicolas Seiwald hit an even more impressive fifth from range for the hosts.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We recognise the pressures facing diagnostic services, including the sonography workforce, and we are taking action to ensure the NHS has the skilled staff it needs to meet rising demand and deliver timely care to patients.

Brighten up someone’s day with a card full of you – for every reader

As Easter is getting closer, spread some smiles with this great offer. We have teamed up with Moonpig, to give every reader a FREE standard Easter card plus free delivery!

That’s not all – you can personalise your card with your favourite photos, fun Easter stickers, and a heartfelt message to make it extra special. Want to send it straight to their door or hand it over yourself? Either way, we’ve got you covered.

And Easter isn’t the only reason to reach out this month. With lighter evenings, bank holiday plans and more reasons to get together, it’s a great time to send a little something just because. A thinking-of-you for a friend, or a note to say “see you soon”, because sometimes the smallest gesture makes the biggest impact.

And if you’d like to make their surprise even sweeter, explore our huge range of gifts and tasty treats – perfect for turning a simple card into a moment they’ll remember.

How to claim: click here and use the code APRILJOY at the checkout to claim your free card and free delivery. It’s easy! The offer is valid from 12am March 28 until midnight on April 1, 2026.

Make this Easter extra sweet, one free card at a time.

Terms and conditions

• The offer entitles the reader to a free standard Easter card plus free delivery.
• The offer is valid from Saturday March 28 until Wednesday April 1, 2026.
• The offer is subject to availability. Redemptions limited to 50,000 cards.
• For full terms and conditions log on to reachforms.co.uk/moonpig

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued ground stops for several airports in the Washington, D.C., area over an apparent odor in an air traffic control tower, according to Reuters.

The impacted airports include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, according to the FAA’s website.

The odor prompted the evacuation of Potomac Consolidated ​Terminal RADAR Approach Control in Virginia, Reuters reports.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

Police are looking to speak with this man in connection to the incident

Police are looking to speak with a man following an assault on pub door staff in Cambridge. Police say that the assault on a member of door staff took place outside The Cambridge Tap, St Andrews Street.

The incident happened just before 11.30pm on February 12. The victim was left with a facial injury.

It has also been reported that the attacker ran away. Police are now looking to speak with the man photographed in connection with the assault.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 35/11343/26 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Beyond Paradise viewers were left shocked as Humphrey Goodman faces an impossible decision in series 4 of the BBC crime drama

Advertisement

Beyond Paradise viewers were left devastated during Friday’s opening episode of series four following a major revelation about Humphrey Goodman.

In the latest instalment, Humphrey, portrayed by Kris Marshall, and his colleagues investigated the death of a crime novelist, whose passing bore an uncanny resemblance to events in his most recent book.

Humphrey, an avid admirer of the crime writer, was tasked with determining whether this was mere coincidence or deliberate murder.

Meanwhile, The Lily Bond drifted away, leaving Humphrey and his new bride Martha Lloyd, portrayed by Sally Bretton, at home with Martha’s mother Anne Lloyd, portrayed by Barbara Flynn, before visiting an ideal renovation property with sea views.

Yet the investigation and The Lily Bond’s departure proved the least of Humphrey’s concerns as he shared some heartbreaking news with his wife Martha, reports the Mirror.

Advertisement

Discussing his difficult day, Humphrey revealed he’d been summoned to a meeting where he faced an incredibly tough choice.

He explained: “They’re saying I’ve got to lose someone at the station. Apparently there should only be three of us at the station so I need to lose one of either Esther, Kelby or Margo…”

To which Martha said: “That’s awful! What will you do?” with Humphrey admitting: “I’ve no idea!”

A preview of next week’s episode shows Humphrey being pressed for his decision as he says: “Mr Smith, he’s still hounding me on a decision on who I’m going to let go…”

This comes as a synopsis for series four teases: “Beyond the station, Humphrey and Martha launch into married life as they search for a new place to call home, all whilst Humphrey faces mounting pressure when tasked with an impossible decision that will change his team forever.”

Viewers took to Twitter, now known as X, wasting no time in sharing their reactions to the storyline and speculating about who Humphrey will let go.

One viewer posted: “#beyondparadise He can’t fire anybody. They are a team”, while another wrote: “#BeyondParadise Uh oh” and a third speculated: “Guessing Humphrey will pick himself as the one to be made redundant and his boss will let them all stay. #BeyondParadise.”

Beyond Paradise returns this Friday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The ‌Arsenal defender, making his first appearance since leaving England’s World Cup camp ⁠in 2022 and going into self-imposed international exile, was booed by the home crowd when he came off the bench and again after scoring. White then turned ‌villain as he was adjudged ​to have fouled Federico ‌Vinas in the ⁠area after a VAR check ⁠and Valverde stepped up to beat ‌James Trafford ​from the spot ‌in the 94th ​minute.

Mary Rand, the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, has died at the age of 86.

Rand secured the long jump title at the Tokyo Games in 1964, also winning silver in the inaugural women’s pentathlon and bronze in the 4x100m relay.

That meant she also became the first British woman to win gold, silver and bronze at a single Olympic Games.

In the long jump, Rand broke the British and Olympic records with her first leap of 6.59m and then smashed the world record on her fifth attempt with an effort of 6.76m.

“Mary was the most gifted athlete I ever saw,” said Ann Packer, who won 800m gold at the 1964 Olympics days after Rand’s triumph and was her room-mate in Tokyo.

“She was as good as athletes get. There has never been anything like her since – and I don’t believe there ever will.”

Rand, whose first husband was British rower Sydney Rand, also won long jump gold at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.

However, injury denied her the chance to defend her Olympic title in 1968 and she retired at the age of 28 the same year.

Born in Wells, Somerset, she was only 17 when she set her first British record in the pentathlon, and she won 12 national titles across long jump, high jump, sprint hurdles and pentathlon during her illustrious career.

Rand was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1964 and was awarded an MBE in the 1965 New Year Honours List.

Nikos Mallios was handed a four-year prison sentence for health and safety breaches which led to the deaths of two British teens

The father of a schoolgirl who died in a Greek parasailing tragedy today (March 27) welcomed the “first steps to justice” after the boat operator was jailed.

Tony Hayes called it a “positive step in the right direction” after watersports boss Nikos Mallios, 57, was convicted of failings that led to the death of his daughter Jessica, 15, and Mikey Connelly, 13, the Mirror reported.

The pair died in October 2020 after Mallios took them out to sea in his speedboat despite an incoming storm. A three-member panel at the Misdemeanour Court of Rhodes was told the rope tethering them to Mr Mallios’ speedboat “detached”.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

The boat pursued the parasail before it drifted into the water where eyewitnesses hoped they may be able to rescue the teens from the sea. But a “gust of wind” caught it and sent Jessica, Mikey and James crashing into rocks near Lindos, Rhodes.

Mallios was found guilty today of breaching health and safety laws over the tragedy and sentenced to four years in prison. He was temporarily released after indicating he would appeal.

In October he will face two more serious charges – manslaughter by serial negligence and grievous bodily harm by serial negligence – when he appears at a higher court in Kos.

But Tony, 43, welcomed the first conviction, saying: “It’s the first step on the journey to justice. Its a positive step in the right direction, one that Jess and Mikey will look down on and be proud.

“I am happy that a long sentence was given. However, the fight will continue and the next step is to take this to the higher court and make that sentence even longer.

“But doesn’t take away the loss. It doesn’t change the fact that Jess is not here. It doesn’t change the fact that Mikey is not here. It doesn’t change the fact that our lives have been ruined.

“We still have some distance to go. Even though the outcome moves us forward, it still doesn’t take away the emptiness that remains from the loss.”

Mallios took the stand as he finally issued an apology for the tragedy, saying: “I want to say sorry to the families.” But he denied any wrongdoing and tried to justify breaking rules forbidding triple-seat parasailing and taking kids under 14.

He also denied breaching guidelines by operating in bad weather and going outside of a designated watersports area.

But today the Greek justice system dismissed his denials and handed him a “significant sentence”. Tony, from Corby, Northants, said: “I look at [Mallios] and I don’t think he went out of his way to do this. He has had his life devastated as well.

“However he continues to defend some of his actions that day. I understand he feels bad and guilty but, for me, the apology would mean more if he just admitted he made a mistake. If he admitted he did something wrong.”

Tony went to the Greek island in 2020 with his wife Kayleigh, 39, for his father-in-law Phil’s surprise 65th birthday. The couple were on holiday with Kayleigh’s brother Phillip Connelly and wife Sharon – parents of James and Mikey. In the days before the accident, Jessica, Mikey and James played games and watched bands in the hotel.

On October 28 they booked on Mr Mallios’ boat in Lardos Bay after seeing the rides on a board in the hotel. The family said goodbye at 12.30pm on the beach outside the hotel, but never saw them again.

Rhodes Courthouse heard the rope “detached” and Mr Mallios began pursuing the parasail as “black clouds and dark skies” blew in. An eyewitnesses on the boat – who had been taken up in the air just moments earlier – said she was “relieved” when the parasail carrying the three teens started “drifting down and landed in the water”.

But she broke down in tears as she told the court that a “gust of wind caught the parasail”. She told the court: “We were speeding towards the children, for about two or three minutes. It had started drifting down and it landed in the water. We were relieved and thought we would be able to pull them aboard. But then a gust of wind caught the parasail and dragged it back up.”

Jessica, Mikey and James eventually crashed into the rocks at Cape Ginas, around 5km from where they left the shore. The British holidaymaker also gave evidence to say they were told they could go on an excursion but “we had to go immediately”.

She told the court: “They said we could go but we had to go immediately because a storm was coming and if we wanted to go then we had to go right now.” Other witnesses claimed they were in the water when a “terrible” storm blew in and caused the water to become “pretty choppy”.

Advertisement

Another witness told how his three children – aged just 12, nine, and seven – had been taken on a parasailing trip in the days leading up to the tragedy. He said he had repeatedly been told “it was the close of the season and storm was coming”. He told the court: “So if we wanted to do any watersports you needed to do it soon because it was about to close.”

Despite being at the centre of a criminal probe, Mallios was free to continue operating from the same spot where he picked up Jessica, Mikey and James. In 2022 the Mirror revealed he was taking boatload after boatload of thrillseekers out to sea on 75 Euro jaunts.