Human Anatomy Introduction

Human Anatomy

• Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures.
• The word "anatomy" comes from a Greek root that means "to cut apart."

Early Development of Human Anatomy

• 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 and Imaging Techniques

• 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.

Specializations in Anatomy

• 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).

Approaches to the Study of Anatomy

• 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.

Physiology

• 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.

Learn about the scientific study of the human body's structures, from small microscopic details to larger observable features.