Kölliker

Wilhelm His, Jr., commonly known as **Kölliker**, was a German anatomist and physiologist born on January 22, 1861, in Basel, Switzerland, though he is often associated with Germany due to his academic career. He was the son of Wilhelm His, Sr., a renowned anatomist, and studied under his father before continuing his education in Leipzig and Berlin. His work primarily focused on the microscopic anatomy of tissues, particularly the nervous system, and his contributions advanced the understanding of cellular structures.

Kölliker’s most notable research involved the study of the cerebellum and the development of the nervous system. He introduced the term "neuroglia" in 1866 to describe the supportive cells in the brain and spinal cord, distinguishing them from neurons. His observations on the cellular composition of the nervous system laid foundational work for neurobiology. Additionally, he contributed to embryology, investigating the early development of organs and tissues.

Beyond his scientific contributions, Kölliker was a prolific educator, teaching at the University of Leipzig and later at the University of Basel. He authored several influential textbooks, including *Handbuch der Gewebelehre des Menschen* (Handbook of Human Histology), which became a standard reference in anatomical studies. His work emphasized the importance of microscopic techniques in advancing medical knowledge.

Kölliker died on February 1, 1947, in Basel, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in the development of histological and neuroanatomical research. His methods and discoveries remain foundational in modern histology and neuroscience, and his name is often cited in discussions of cellular anatomy.