Inclusive Anatomy
Historical Timeline
1600
1864
Present
1672
1880
2002
de Graaf & Guerin
Initially described by the anatomist Regnier de Graaf (1641-1673 Netherland), and the surgeon Alphonse Guerin (1816–1895, France). Initially, they were called The Female Prostate by de Graaf.[1]
Alphonse Guerine
Alphonse Guerine described the function of the glands during ejaculation and how they are activated.[2]
Alexander Skene
Alexander Skene described the glands located at the floor of the urethra and their infection (Skenitis). He introduced them to Western medical literature as Skene’s Glands.[3]
Anatomical Terminology
A second term, "Female Prostate" was added to the Terminologia Histologica by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology.[4]
Eponym:
The paraurethral glands are eponymously known as Skene’s glands, named after Alexander Johnston Chalmers Skene (1838–1900), a gynecologist of Scottish origin who later practiced in the United States. Skene began his medical education in Scotland and completed his medical degree in 1863 after studying at the University of Michigan and Long Island College Hospital.[5] He later served as Professor of Gynecology at Long Island College Hospital and was a founding member and president of the American Gynecological Society.[5]
Scientific Contribution:
Skene authored more than 100 medical articles and multiple textbooks. He made significant contributions to the development of surgical instruments and advancements in surgical procedures. However, his most enduring legacy lies in his discovery and description of the paraurethral glands in “The anatomy and pathology of two important glands of the female urethra” in 1880. He also provided insights into their infection, which he termed Skenitis.[6]
Alexander Johnston Chalmers Skene - Image Obtained From: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
References
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Klein M. De mulierum organis generationi inservientibus. Scalpel. 1672; 115, 109-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14456765/
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Guérin A, Picard JP. Maladies des organes génitaux externes de la femme: Leçons professées à l'Hôpital de Lourcine. Delahaye; 1864. https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k56794617.texteImage
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Skene AJC. The anatomy and pathology of two important glands of the female urethra. Am J Obstet Dis Women Child. 1880;13:265-270. https://collections.nlm.nih.gov/ext/dw/101316080/PDF/101316080.pdf
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Hornstein T, Schwerin JL. Biology of Women. Cengage Learning; 2013:61.
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Education and culture as related to the health and diseases of women. Southern Medical Records, 1869.
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Wertz F. Obituary in American Journal of Obstetrics. New York Gene and Bio Society, 1913, 67: 966.
https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/blog/find-your-ancestors-obituary-new-york-times-and-other-sources
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