Corneille Heymans

Corneille Jean François Heymans (28 March 1892 – 18 July 1968) was a Belgian physiologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1938 for his discovery of the role of the sinus and aortic mechanisms in the regulation of respiration. His work significantly advanced the understanding of reflex actions and their role in the regulation of bodily functions, laying the groundwork for future research in cardiovascular physiology.

Biography[edit | edit source]

Born in Ghent, Belgium, Corneille Heymans was the son of physiologist Jean-François Heymans, a professor at the University of Ghent, where Corneille would later study. After receiving his M.D. in 1920, he continued his research in various European laboratories, including those in Vienna, London, and Paris. Upon returning to Belgium, he joined the faculty at the University of Ghent, where he spent the majority of his career.

Research and Discoveries[edit | edit source]

Heymans' most notable work involved the study of how blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood are detected by receptors in the carotid sinus and the aortic arch, and how this information is used to regulate heart rate and breathing. His experiments, which often involved precise surgical techniques on dogs, demonstrated that these receptors send signals to the brain to adjust these vital functions. This mechanism, known as the carotid sinus reflex or the aortic reflex, is crucial for maintaining homeostasis within the body.

Heymans also investigated other aspects of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, including the effects of various pharmacological agents on blood pressure and heart rate. His comprehensive approach to studying the body's regulatory mechanisms has had a lasting impact on the fields of physiology and medicine.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Corneille Heymans' contributions to physiology were recognized internationally. In addition to the Nobel Prize, he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was a member of several prestigious scientific societies and his work has inspired generations of researchers in the fields of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology.

Heymans was also committed to education, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Ghent. His dedication to research and teaching helped establish the university as a leading center for physiological research in Europe.

Death and Memorials[edit | edit source]

Corneille Heymans passed away on 18 July 1968 in Ghent. His legacy continues through the Corneille Heymans Foundation, which supports physiological research, and the Heymans Institute of Pharmacology and the Heymans Institute of Physiology at the University of Ghent, both named in his honor.