Friedrich Merkel was a notable German anatomist and embryologist, born on March 24, 1845. He is best known for his contributions to the study of the nervous system and the development of various tissues in the body. His research laid the groundwork for understanding the structure and function of sensory organs. Merkel is particularly recognized for his discovery of Merkel cells, specialized cells found in the skin that are involved in the sensation of touch. His work has had a lasting impact on the fields of anatomy and physiology, influencing future research and medical practices.