Introduction to Anatomy and Its History

Study Notes

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body, either regionally or systemically.
Physiology is the study of the function of body parts
The word anatomy is derived from the Greek word "to cut out".

The study of anatomy probably began with early examinations of sacrifice victims.
The first formal documentation of anatomy was by Egyptians around 500 BC.
Egyptian anatomical papyrus showed organs including blood vessels.
Hippocrates (460-377 BC) was a Greek physician who studied anatomy and speculated on physiology.
Hippocrates is considered the father of medicine.
Much of Hippocrates' work remains relevant today.
The Hippocratic oath is taken by doctors at graduation.
Aristotle (384-322 BC) was the first person to use the term "Anatome".
Galen (130 BC) compiled anatomical studies of earlier writers.
Galen used dissection of human and animal bodies.
During the Renaissance, artists and anatomists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Vesalius (1514-1564) began to accurately display, portray, and describe the parts of the human body.
This accurate representation and description of the human form led to the revision, amendment, and correction of many Galenic concepts.

The work of Italian Anatomists like Eustachius & Fallopius made significant contributions to anatomy.
William Harvey (1578-1657) was an English functional morphologist who discovered the circulation of blood.

New technology provided further understanding of both structure and function of body parts.
Technology such as X-ray, CT, ultrasound, MRI, and Genetic tests are currently used.

Health-related studies are now centered around molecular biology.
Scientists are currently looking for genetic and molecular indicators of disease.
New assays are being conducted in vitro versus in vivo.

Gross Anatomy: Study of body structures visible to the naked eye.
Microscopic Anatomy: Study of human structure via microscope.
Ultrastructural Anatomy: Ultramicroscopic study of structures too small to be seen with a light microscope.
Developmental Anatomy: Study of changes in an individual from conception to old age.
Comparative Anatomy: Study of human structures in comparison with other organisms.
Surgical Anatomy: The study of anatomy in connection with surgical operations and surgical procedures (e.g. anatomy of surgical incisions, anatomy of surgical exposures).
Radiological Anatomy: Study of anatomy using radiological techniques e.g. X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI.
Pathological Anatomy: Structural changes (from gross to microscopic) associated with disease.

Regional Anatomy: Deals with all structures in one part of the body (head, neck, thorax, abdomen, lower limb, etc.). It examines the arrangement and relationships of various systemic structures(muscle, artery, nerve, etc.) within it. It helps to understand the body by layers (skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle with fascia, skeleton, cavity, internal organs).
Systemic Anatomy: Study of the structures of the human body by organ systems, for example, the skeletal system or the nervous system.
Clinical Anatomy/ Applied Anatomy: The study of anatomy in relation to clinical practice.

Surface anatomy is the study of internal structures in the living human being as they relate to the overlaying skin.
Surface anatomy is crucial for understanding how to palpate or examine internal structures in the living body.