13 Facts About Theodor Meynert

Theodor Hermann Meynert was a German-Austrian psychiatrist, neuropathologist, and anatomist born in Dresden.

Theodor Meynert later distanced himself from Freud because of the latter's involvement with practices such as hypnosis.

Theodor Meynert ridiculed Freud's idea of male hysteria; though some authors believe this to be due to his own hidden suffering of the illness, prompting a reconciliation with Freud near to his death.

Theodor Meynert's work was an important influence in the career of German neuropathologist Paul Flechsig.

Theodor Meynert's work was largely focused on brain anatomy, pathology and histology, including the mapping of its intricate pathways and topography.

Theodor Meynert made many contributions involving the study of the cellular architecture of the brain and is often considered to be the founder of cerebral cortex cytoarchitectonics.

Theodor Meynert developed theories in regards to correlations between neuroanatomical and mental processes.

Theodor Meynert conceptualized that a coupling between one mental association and its temporal successor as a literal contact between cortical nerve cells linked to one other by nerve fibers, and a series of cortical associations could therefore be construed as being a "train of thought".

Theodor Meynert theorized that ideas and memories are to be envisioned as being attached to specific cortical cells.

In regards to mental illness, Theodor Meynert conceptualized that a conflict existed between the cerebral cortex and the sub-cortical regions as the primary cause for abnormal function of cerebral components.

Theodor Meynert's aim was to establish psychiatry as an exact science based on anatomy.

Theodor Meynert has several anatomical structures named after him, including the basal optic nucleus of Meynert, the substantia innominata of Meynert and "Meynert cells", which are solitary pyramidal cells located in the cerebral cortex near the calcarine fissure.

In 1869 Theodor Meynert described the dorsal tegmental decussation of the left and right tectospinal and tectobulbar tracts, located in the mesencephalon.