Basic Biomedical Science: Anatomy Overview

Basic Biomedical Science: Systems of Human Body - Anatomy Overview

• Definition of Anatomy: A scientific study of the structure of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues. Derived from Greek, "anatomē," meaning dissection.
• Branches of Anatomy:
• Microscopic Anatomy: Examining structures visible to the naked eye, e.g., regional anatomy and systemic anatomy.
• Microscopic Anatomy: Examining structures not visible to the naked eye, e.g., histology and cytology.
• Structural Organization of the Human Body:
• Chemical Level: Atoms combine to form molecules (e.g., water, proteins), which build larger molecules (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids). Fundamental elements are crucial (e.g., Hydrogen, Carbon, Oxygen).
• Molecular Level: Molecules combine to form cells, the basic unit in organisms.
• Cellular Level: Specialized functional units within cells, called organelles, perform specific functions. Examples include water and glucose.
• Tissue Level: Similar cells organized to perform specialized functions form tissues—four primary types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.
• Organ Level: Different tissue types combine and function together to form organs (e.g., heart, liver).
• Organ System Level: Related organs work together to achieve a common function (e.g., respiratory system facilitates gas exchange).
• Organism Level: All body systems working together in an interconnected and complex way.
• Four Types of Tissues:
• Epithelial Tissue
• Connective Tissue
• Muscle Tissue
• Nervous Tissue
• Directional Terms:
• Superior: Towards the head or upper body part
• Inferior: Away from the head or towards the lower body part
• Anterior (Ventral): Front of body
• Posterior (Dorsal): Back of body
• Medial: Toward the midline of the body
• Lateral: Away from the midline of the body
• Intermediate: Between more medial and lateral structures
• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment or origin
• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment or origin
• Anatomical Planes:
• Median/Sagittal (Midsagittal) Plane: Divides in right and left.
• Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides into anterior and posterior.
• Transverse Plane: Divides into superior and inferior.
• Longitudinal Section: Cuts parallel to main axis.
• Oblique Section: Cuts at oblique angle.
• Body Cavities:
• These spaces house and protect internal organs.
• Thoracic Cavity and Anterolateral Abdominal Cavity are major divisions.
• Body Membranes:
• Line body cavities and organs including mucous, serous, cutaneous and synovial.
• Anatomical and Clinical Terminology:
• The study of body structures and functions is primarily Latin-originated.
• Terms used in clinical work are mostly Greek-origin.
• Pioneer of Modern Anatomist (Andreas Vesalius):
• His work corrected the misconceptions of classical anatomy. His book De Humani Corporis Fabrica is a landmark in medical history.
• Latin-Greek Synonyms: There are many common terms with Latin and Greek equivalents.

Organ Systems

• Integumentary System: Protects against hazards, regulates temperature and synthesizes vitamin D; includes skin, hair, nails.
• Skeletal System: Provides support, protection, muscle attachment, mineral storage, and blood cell production; includes bones and joints.
• Muscular System: Enables movement, generates heat, and includes voluntary and involuntary muscles.
• Nervous System: Controls body activities by coordinating sensory input, body movement, and memory; includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
• Endocrine System: Controls long-term changes in body activities by secreting hormones that affect other organ systems; includes glands such as thyroid and testes.
• Digestive System: Processes, absorbs food, expels wastes mechanically and chemically. Includes stomach, intestines, liver.
• Cardiovascular System: Transports cells, dissolved materials, including nutrients, wastes, and gases; includes heart and blood vessels.
• Lymphatic System: Defends against infection and disease, reclaims tissue fluid, and includes spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus.
• Respiratory System: Delivers air, exchanges gases, and includes lungs, trachea, and alveoli.
• Urinary System: Filters blood, removes waste products, and forms urine; includes kidneys and bladder.
• Reproductive System: Produces sex cells, hormones, and develops offspring; includes male reproductive organs and female reproductive organs.