Human Anatomy Overview

Overview of Human Anatomy

• Study of the structure and organization of living things
• Focuses on the internal and external features of the body
• Divided into macroscopic (gross) anatomy and microscopic anatomy

Organization of the Human Body

• Chemical level: atoms, molecules, and compounds
• Cellular level: cells, tissues, and organs
• Tissue level: four primary tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous)
• Organ level: functional units that perform specific tasks
• Organ system level: groups of organs that work together to maintain homeostasis
• Organismal level: the entire human body

Body Cavities

• Dorsal cavity: contains the brain and spinal cord
• Ventral cavity: contains the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
• Thoracic cavity: contains the heart, lungs, and thoracic organs
• Abdominopelvic cavity: contains the abdominal and pelvic organs

Body Regions

• Axial region: head, neck, thorax, and abdomen
• Appendicular region: upper and lower limbs
• Regional anatomy: study of specific body regions

Directional Terms

• Anatomical position: standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart, and palms facing forward
• Superior: above or higher
• Inferior: below or lower
• Anterior: front or forward
• Posterior: back or rear
• Medial: towards the midline
• Lateral: away from the midline
• Proximal: closer to the trunk
• Distal: farther from the trunk

Body Systems

• Nervous system: controls and coordinates body functions
• Circulatory system: transports oxygen and nutrients to cells
• Respiratory system: brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide
• Digestive system: breaks down and absorbs nutrients
• Endocrine system: produces and regulates hormones
• Immune system: defends the body against pathogens and diseases
• Muscular system: moves the body and maintains posture
• Skeletal system: provides support, protection, and movement
• Integumentary system: protects the body and regulates body temperature