When we associate an image with the word heart, we all probably think of the same shape. However, this is very different from any shape of the biological human heart – at least that’s what we knew until now. However, a recent comprehensive study seems to be able to shed light on the real connection.
A symbol of old times
According to the study, the ancient Greek philosophers may have been the first to associate our body’s motor with emotions – among others Aristotle also created in this area.
After that, a 13th century living Pierre Vinken German neurosurgeon and author, used the shape of the heart, which is still known today, as an illustration in his book – this was probably inspired by Aristotle’s unusual description of the organ.
According to other sources, however, the classic heart logo is now extinct, silphium It depicts the leaves of a giant fennel species called fennel, which was once used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a form of birth control.
Did they find the connection?
Over the centuries, anatomical studies have stated that the commonly depicted symbol of the heart – expressing emotions and love – bears no resemblance to the beating heart of a living person. However, in the middle of the 20th century, scientists came across an explanation that the simplified shape may actually have an anatomical background.
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Photo: Shutterstock
The first replicas of the coronary system were made in the 1950s, when plastic was injected into the aorta of dead people and casts were made that surprisingly resembled the iconic shape of the heart.
A few decades later, with the development of new technologies – during which contrast material is injected into the coronary arteries – it became clear how accurate the traditional heart shape really is.
By simultaneously injecting the right and left coronary arteries, the entire coronary circulation can be visualized. The simultaneous visualization of the right and left coronary arteries forms exactly the shape we used to illustrate as a human heart.
– quotes the researchers in the IFLScience article.
After that, the authors of the current study wondered whether ancient scientists made similar casts of the coronary arteries, for example made of plaster, from which they could glimpse the shape.
In any case, the heart symbol system certainly needs further research, yet it may be the most likely hypothesis to explain the true origin of our popular pop culture sign.
Opening image: Shutterstock
