Human Anatomy Introduction

What is the origin of the word 'anatomy'?

What is the primary method of studying anatomy in the past?

What is the purpose of dissection in medical schools and anatomy courses?

What is the name of the study of structures that can be observed without the aid of magnification?

What is the study of cells referred to as?

What is the primary method of studying anatomy in living people?

What is the name of the study of tissues?

What is the focus of regional anatomy?

What allows anatomists to observe smaller and smaller structures of the body?

What is the main difference between anatomy and physiology?

What is the term for the state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things?

What type of anatomy deals with the study of the brain and its structures?

What is the focus of systemic anatomy?

What is the term for the scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body?

What is the main tool used in the study of physiology?

What is the term for the study of the structures of the body using a microscope?

Initially, human anatomy was studied by observing the exterior of the body and examining wounds and injuries.
Later, physicians were allowed to dissect dead bodies to gain more knowledge.

Dissection is still used in medical schools, anatomy courses, and pathology labs to observe physical attributes and relationships between structures.
Imaging techniques have been developed to visualize structures inside the living body, such as cancerous tumors or fractured bones.

Gross anatomy (macroscopic anatomy) is the study of larger structures visible without magnification.
Microscopic anatomy is the study of structures that can be observed only with a microscope or other magnification devices.
Microscopic anatomy includes cytology (study of cells) and histology (study of tissues).

Regional anatomy is the study of interrelationships of structures in a specific body region, such as the abdomen.
Systemic anatomy is the study of structures that make up a discrete body system, such as the muscular system.

Human physiology is the scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the body's structures and their functions.
Physiology focuses on the body's tendency toward homeostasis, a state of steady internal conditions.
The study of physiology involves observation, manipulation, measurement, and laboratory experiments to reveal the functions of structures and chemical compounds.