Human Anatomy Overview

Human Anatomy

1. Overview

Study of the structure of the human body.
Divided into macroscopic (gross) and microscopic anatomy.

2. Major Systems

Skeletal System
- Comprises bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: support, movement, protection of organs, and mineral storage.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, stability, and heat production.
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: transport of nutrients, gases, and waste.
Respiratory System
- Consists of lungs, trachea, and other airways.
- Functions: gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Involves the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (liver, pancreas).
- Functions: breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Nervous System
- Encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: coordination of body activities and response to stimuli.
Endocrine System
- Made up of glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid).
- Functions: hormone production and regulation of bodily functions.
Immune System
- Involves lymph nodes, spleen, and immune cells.
- Functions: defense against pathogens and disease.
Integumentary System
- Comprises skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: protection, temperature regulation, and sensation.
Urinary System
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: waste removal and regulation of water and electrolytes.
Reproductive System
- Male: testes, prostate, penis.
- Female: ovaries, uterus, vagina.
- Functions: production of gametes and hormones, reproduction.

3. Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms
- Superior: toward the head
- Inferior: toward the feet
- Anterior (ventral): front
- Posterior (dorsal): back
- Medial: toward the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the trunk
- Distal: farther from the trunk
Body Planes
- Sagittal: divides body into left and right
- Coronal (frontal): divides body into anterior and posterior
- Transverse (horizontal): divides body into superior and inferior

4. Developmental Anatomy

Embryology: study of development from fertilization to birth.
Key stages: zygote, embryo, fetus.

5. Clinical Anatomy

Application of anatomical knowledge in medicine.
Importance in diagnosis and surgical procedures.

Overview of Human Anatomy

Human anatomy focuses on the structure of the body, classified into macroscopic (gross) and microscopic anatomy.

Major Systems

Skeletal System
- Comprises bones, cartilage, and ligaments; provides support, facilitates movement, protects organs, and stores minerals.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles; responsible for movement, maintaining stability, and generating heat.
Circulatory System
- Made up of the heart, blood vessels, and blood; facilitates the transport of nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Consists of lungs, trachea, and additional airways; performs gas exchange by providing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
Digestive System
- Encompasses the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs like the liver and pancreas; involved in food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Nervous System
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; coordinates bodily functions and responds to internal and external stimuli.
Endocrine System
- Comprised of various glands such as the pituitary and thyroid; produces hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions.
Immune System
- Involves lymph nodes, the spleen, and immune cells; protects the body against pathogens and diseases.
Integumentary System
- Includes skin, hair, nails, and glands; provides protection, regulates temperature, and facilitates sensation.
Urinary System
- Consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; crucial for waste removal and maintaining water and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Male reproductive organs: testes, prostate, penis. Female reproductive organs: ovaries, uterus, vagina; responsible for gamete production, hormone secretion, and reproduction.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms
- Superior: toward the head
- Inferior: toward the feet
- Anterior (ventral): front
- Posterior (dorsal): back
- Medial: toward the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the trunk
- Distal: farther from the trunk
Body Planes
- Sagittal: divides the body into left and right halves
- Coronal (frontal): splits the body into anterior and posterior sections
- Transverse (horizontal): separates the body into superior and inferior parts