Functio laesa
Encyclopedia
Functio laesa is a term used in medicine to refer to a loss of function or a disturbance of function.
It was identified as the fifth sign of acute inflammation
by Galen
, who added it to the four signs identified by Celsus
(tumor
, rubor, calor, and dolor
).
The attribution to Galen is disputed, and has variously been attributed to Thomas Sydenham
and Rudolf Virchow
.
It was identified as the fifth sign of acute inflammation
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
by Galen
Galen
Aelius Galenus or Claudius Galenus , better known as Galen of Pergamon , was a prominent Roman physician, surgeon and philosopher...
, who added it to the four signs identified by Celsus
Aulus Cornelius Celsus
Aulus Cornelius Celsus was a Roman encyclopedist, known for his extant medical work, De Medicina, which is believed to be the only surviving section of a much larger encyclopedia. The De Medicina is a primary source on diet, pharmacy, surgery and related fields, and it is one of the best sources...
(tumor
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
, rubor, calor, and dolor
Dolor
Dolor may refer to:* Pain* Suffering* The unit of measurement in utilitarianism, see Felicific calculus#Hedons and dolors...
).
The attribution to Galen is disputed, and has variously been attributed to Thomas Sydenham
Thomas Sydenham
Thomas Sydenham was an English physician. He was born at Wynford Eagle in Dorset, where his father was a gentleman of property. His brother was Colonel William Sydenham. Thomas fought for the Parliament throughout the English Civil War, and, at its end, resumed his medical studies at Oxford...
and Rudolf Virchow
Rudolf Virchow
Rudolph Carl Virchow was a German doctor, anthropologist, pathologist, prehistorian, biologist and politician, known for his advancement of public health...
.