Evolution of changes in the structure of craniological terminology in publications of the International Anatomical Nomencla

Abstract

Introduction. The systematic development of International Anatomical Nomenclature from the Basel Anatomical Nomenclature of 1895 to the Human Anatomical Terminology of 2025 has led to the expansion and refinement of craniological terminology; however, a comprehensive quantitative analysis of chronological changes in terms related to the skull has not yet been conducted.

Materials and methods. A comparison of twelve editions of anatomical nomenclatures was conducted (BNA, JNA, PNA, NA 2–6, TA1–2, TOA, TAH). From each reference work, terms related to cranial bones, their articulations, and the dentomaxillary system were selected; duplicates were excluded. A content-analytical matrix method of “presence / absence” and descriptive statistics were applied.

Results and discussion. The number of original craniological terms increased by 23%: from 524 in BNA to 644 in TAH. The proportion of stable “core” terms appearing in all 12 editions is 57.2%, confirming the stability of basic terminology. The maximum duplication frequency was recorded in NA5 (3.85%), the minimum in BNA, TA2, and TOA. The most thorough revisions were observed during transitions from JNA to PNA and from NA6 to TA1–2, alternating with periods of conservative updating.

Conclusion. The evolution of craniological nomenclature reflects the presence of a “core” and terms subject to regular changes, conditioned by scientific progress and clinical requirements. The obtained data may serve as a basis for further standardization of terminology and improved communication among specialists from various fields.

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