Ernest Starling

Ernest Starling

Ernest Henry Starling (17 April 1866 – 2 May 1927) was an English physiologist who is best remembered for his influential work in the fields of physiology and endocrinology. His research on the circulatory system and the kidney has had a lasting impact on medical science, leading to significant advancements in our understanding of bodily functions and the mechanisms of disease.

Early Life and Education

Ernest Starling was born in London, England. He pursued his education at Guy's Hospital Medical School, where he developed a keen interest in the physiological sciences. After completing his medical training, Starling focused on research, contributing to the field of physiology with his innovative experiments and theories.

Career and Contributions

Starling's career was marked by several key contributions to medical science. One of his most notable achievements was the formulation of the "Starling's law of the heart," which describes how the heart's stroke volume is affected by the venous return, essentially stating that the heart will pump out whatever volume of blood it receives. This principle has been fundamental in the understanding and treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions.

In addition to his work on the heart, Starling also made significant contributions to the study of bodily fluids and their movement. He introduced the concept of the Starling equation, which describes the forces (hydrostatic and oncotic pressures) that govern the movement of fluid across capillary membranes. This has been crucial in the study of edema and other conditions related to fluid imbalance.

Starling's research extended into the field of endocrinology, where he, along with colleague William Bayliss, discovered the hormone secretin, thus introducing the concept of hormones as chemical messengers that regulate bodily functions. This discovery laid the groundwork for the modern field of endocrinology.

Legacy

Ernest Starling's work has had a profound impact on the field of physiology and beyond. His theories and discoveries continue to underpin much of modern medical practice and research. The Starling principles regarding the heart and capillary fluid dynamics are taught to medical students worldwide, and his work on hormones has opened up new avenues for the treatment of various diseases.

Starling's contributions were recognized during his lifetime, and he was honored with membership in the Royal Society and other prestigious organizations. Despite his passing in 1927, his legacy lives on through the continued relevance of his research in medical science.

Selected Publications

Starling authored numerous scientific papers and books throughout his career. Some of his most influential works include:

• The Linacre Lecture on the Law of the Heart (1918)
• Principles of Human Physiology (with Ernest Henry Starling) (1912)

See Also

• Physiology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular system
• Kidney