General Anatomy Overview

General Anatomy

• Anatomy, also known as morphology, is a branch of biological science focused on the form and structure of organisms.
• It studies the form, structure, and relationships of different body parts.
• Latin translates to "to cut and see", reflecting the historical practice of dissecting to understand anatomy.

Branches of Anatomy

• Macroscopic (Gross) Anatomy: Study of body structures visible without magnification, using naked eye or hand lens.
• Microscopic Anatomy (Histology): Study of cells and tissues using a microscope.
• Cytology: Study of individual cells.
• Developmental Anatomy: Study of structural changes from fertilization to maturity.
• Embryology: Subset of developmental anatomy, focusing on changes from conception to birth.
• Special Anatomy: Description of a single species (e.g., equine anatomy, human anatomy/anthropotomy).
• Comparative Anatomy: Description and comparison of animal structures across species.

Methods of Studying Anatomy

• Systematic Anatomy: Study of body systems (e.g., nervous system, digestive system).
• Topographic (Regional) Anatomy: Study of body by regions (e.g., thorax, abdomen), including surface anatomy.
• Applied (Clinical) Anatomy: Relationship between structure and function, applying knowledge to medical practice.

Components of Systematic Anatomy

• Osteology: Study of bones and cartilages.
• Syndesmology: Study of joints.
• Myology: Study of muscles and their accessory structures.
• Splanchnology: Study of internal organs (viscera) of digestive, respiratory, and urogenital systems.
• Angiology: Study of the circulatory system (heart, arteries, veins, lymphatics, spleen).
• Neurology: Study of the nervous system and sense organs.
• Common Integument: Study of skin and associated structures (nails, hooves, horns, etc.).

Topographic Terms

• Dorsal: Back side of the body.
• Ventral: Belly side of the body.
• Cranial: Towards the head.
• Caudal: Towards the tail.
• Rostral: Towards the nose (used for head only).
• Medial: Towards the midline of the body.
• Lateral: Away from the midline.
• External: Near the surface of the body.
• Internal: Away from the surface, within the body.
• Superficial: Near the surface.
• Deep: Towards the interior of the body.
• Proximal: Closer to the body.
• Distal: Further from the body.
• Palmar: Palm side of the wrist/forelimb.
• Plantar: Sole of the foot/hind limb.
• Regional names (e.g., carpal/knee joint, tarsal/hock joint): used to describe specific regions on limbs and body.

Planes of the Body

• Median Plane: Divides the body into equal left and right halves.
• Sagittal Plane: Any plane parallel to the median plane, dividing the body unequally.
• Transverse Plane: Any plane cutting the body or limb perpendicular to its long axis (dividing into cranial and caudal portions).
• Dorsal (Frontal) Plane: Divides the body into dorsal and ventral portions.