Human Anatomy Overview

Human Anatomy

Overview

Study of the structure of the human body.
Involves various systems, organs, and tissues.

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and joints.
- Provides structure, support, and protection for internal organs.
- Key components: skull, vertebrae, rib cage, limbs.
Muscular System
- Contains all muscles in the body.
- Responsible for movement, posture, and heat production.
- Types: skeletal (voluntary), smooth (involuntary), cardiac (heart).
Circulatory System
- Comprises the heart and blood vessels.
- Responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and waste.
- Key components: arteries, veins, capillaries.
Respiratory System
- Facilitates gas exchange: oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.
- Key structures: nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs.
Digestive System
- Breaks down food for nutrient absorption.
- Key organs: mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas.
Nervous System
- Controls body functions through electrical signals.
- Divided into central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (nerves) systems.
Endocrine System
- Glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily functions.
- Key glands include pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas.
Reproductive System
- Responsible for producing offspring.
- Male components: testes, penis; Female components: ovaries, uterus.
Integumentary System
- Consists of skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.
- Protects body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information.
Lymphatic/Immune System
- Part of the immune defense and fluid balance.
- Composed of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and spleen.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Body standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: above
- Inferior: below
- Anterior: front
- Posterior: back
- Medial: toward the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the trunk
- Distal: farther from the trunk

Planes of the Body

Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior.
Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior.

Basic Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.
Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues (e.g., bone, blood).
Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement (skeletal, cardiac, smooth).
Nervous Tissue: Composed of neurons and glial cells, facilitates communication.

Developmental Anatomy

Study of structural changes from fertilization to adulthood.
Involves embryology (development before birth) and postnatal changes.

These notes cover the foundational aspects of human anatomy, providing a structure for further detailed study.

Overview of Human Anatomy

Focuses on the structure and organization of the human body.
Encompasses various interconnected systems, organs, and tissues that function collectively.

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System
- Comprised of bones, cartilage, and joints, providing essential support and protection.
- Key structures include the skull, vertebrae, rib cage, and limbs.
Muscular System
- Contains all muscle types, enabling movement and maintaining posture through contraction.
- Three muscle types:
  - Skeletal (voluntary control)
  - Smooth (involuntary control; found in internal organs)
  - Cardiac (involuntary control; heart)
Circulatory System
- Includes the heart and a network of blood vessels to transport blood and nutrients.
- Major components are arteries, veins, and capillaries, involved in nutrient and gas exchange.
Respiratory System
- Essential for gas exchange, helping to bring in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
- Key components are the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and lungs.
Digestive System
- Facilitates the breakdown and absorption of food for nutrient acquisition.
- Principal organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
Nervous System
- Manages body functions via electrical signals, coordinating voluntary and involuntary actions.
- Consists of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (nerves).
Endocrine System
- Composed of glands that release hormones, regulating growth, metabolism, and homeostasis.
- Major glands include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas.
Reproductive System
- Responsible for production of offspring, varying between male and female structures.
- Male: testes and penis; Female: ovaries and uterus.
Integumentary System
- Functions as a barrier protecting the body; includes skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Regulates temperature and processes sensory information.
Lymphatic/Immune System
- Critical for immune response and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
- Comprised of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and the spleen.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Body upright, facing forward with arms at the sides and palms forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior: Front
- Posterior: Back
- Medial: Toward the midline
- Lateral: Away from the midline
- Proximal: Closer to the trunk
- Distal: Farther from the trunk

Planes of the Body

Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sections.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.

Basic Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue: Covers surfaces and lines cavities, acting as a protective layer.
Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues; includes types like bone and blood.
Muscle Tissue: Facilitates movement; categorized into skeletal, cardiac, and smooth tissue.
Nervous Tissue: Composed of neurons and glial cells, responsible for communication within the body.

Developmental Anatomy

Examines the changes in structure from fertilization to adulthood.
Includes the study of embryology (development before birth) and subsequent postnatal changes.