Anatomy Basics

Anatomy Overview

• Anatomy is the study of the structure and composition of the human body, including its various systems, organs, tissues, and cells.
• It encompasses a wide range of sub-disciplines that explore different aspects of the body's form and function.

Sub-disciplines of Anatomy

• Cadaveric Anatomy: Study of the human body on dead specimens, focusing on regional or systemic dissection.
• Living Anatomy: Study of the human body in its living state, using techniques like inspection, palpation, and other non-invasive methods.
• Embryology: Study of the prenatal development of the human body, including ontogeny and phylogeny.
• Histology: Microscopic study of the structure and composition of tissues and cells.
• Surface Anatomy: Study of the relationship between the body's internal structures and the overlying skin surface.
• Radiographic Anatomy: Study of the body's internal structures using imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound.
• Comparative Anatomy: Study of the human body by comparing it to the anatomical structures of other animals.
• Physical Anthropology: Study of the physical characteristics of prehistoric human remains.
• Applied Anatomy: Application of anatomical knowledge to medical and surgical practice.
• Experimental Anatomy: Study of the factors that influence and determine the form, structure, and function of different body parts.

Anatomical Positions and Planes

• Anatomical positions and planes provide a standardized frame of reference for describing the location and orientation of body structures.
• Anatomical Position: Standard reference position with the person standing upright, facing the observer, with palms facing forward.
• Supine Position: Person lying on their back, with palms facing upward.
• Prone Position: Person lying on their stomach, with face down.
• Lithotomy Position: Person lying on their back with legs abducted and flexed at the hips and knees, used during medical procedures.

Planes of the Body

• Median/Midsagittal Plane: Divides the body into equal left and right halves.
• Sagittal Plane: Parallel to the median plane.
• Coronal Plane: Perpendicular to the sagittal plane, dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions.
• Transverse Plane: Perpendicular to both the sagittal and coronal planes, dividing the body into upper and lower portions.
• Oblique Plane: Any plane that is not one of the four cardinal planes.

Terms of Movement

• Flexion: Bending a joint to decrease the angle between two body parts.
• Extension: Straightening a joint to increase the angle between two body parts.
• Abduction: Movement of a body part away from the midline of the body.
• Adduction: Movement of a body part toward the midline of the body.
• Rotation: Turning of a body part around its long axis.
• Circumduction: Circular movement of a body part.