Anatomy Basics

Study Notes

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.

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 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.

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.