Johann Friedrich Meckel was a prominent German anatomist born on March 17, 1781, in Stuttgart. He is best known for his contributions to the field of anatomy, particularly in the study of human and comparative anatomy. Meckel's work laid the foundation for understanding the development of various organs and structures in different species. Meckel is also recognized for the Meckel's diverticulum, a congenital condition named after him, which is a remnant of the embryonic yolk sac. His research significantly advanced the knowledge of anatomical variations and embryonic development, influencing future studies in both anatomy and medicine.