Introduction to Anatomy

Studies structures visible without a microscope.
Includes regions such as:
- Regional Anatomy: Examines specific areas (e.g., abdomen, thorax).
- Systemic Anatomy: Studies organ systems (e.g., muscular, circulatory).
- Surface Anatomy: Focuses on external features and their relation to deeper structures.

Involves the study of structures at the cellular level.
Key components include:
- Histology: Study of tissues.
- Cytology: Study of cells.

Anatomical Position: Standard position of the body used as a reference point; standing, 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 (further from the trunk)

Skeletal System
- Provides support and structure; consists of bones, cartilage, and joints.
Muscular System
- Facilitates movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.
Nervous System
- Controls and coordinates body functions; includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Circulatory System
- Transports blood, nutrients, and waste; includes the heart and blood vessels.
Respiratory System
- Responsible for gas exchange; includes lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
Digestive System
- Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients; includes the stomach, intestines, and liver.
Urinary System
- Eliminates waste and regulates water balance; includes kidneys and bladder.
Endocrine System
- Regulates bodily functions through hormones; includes glands such as the thyroid and pituitary.
Reproductive System
- Responsible for producing offspring; includes organs like ovaries, testes, uterus.

Individual differences in anatomy can occur due to genetics, environment, and other factors.
Examples include variations in the number of ribs or blood vessels.

Examines structures visible without a microscope.
Regional Anatomy: Focuses on specific body areas like the abdomen and thorax.
Systemic Anatomy: Studies organ systems such as the muscular and circulatory systems.
Surface Anatomy: Looks at external features and their relationship with deeper structures.

Anatomical Position: Standard body stance for reference; standing, facing forward, arms at sides, and palms facing forward.
Directional Terms include:
- Superior: above
- Inferior: below
- Anterior: front
- Posterior: back
- Medial: toward the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the trunk
- Distal: further from the trunk

Skeletal System: Provides structural support; consists of bones, cartilage, and joints.
Muscular System: Facilitates movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.
Nervous System: Controls and coordinates body functions; includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Circulatory System: Transports blood, nutrients, and waste; encompasses the heart and blood vessels.
Respiratory System: Responsible for gas exchange; involves the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients; includes the stomach, intestines, and liver.
Urinary System: Eliminates waste and regulates water balance; involves the kidneys and bladder.
Endocrine System: Regulates body functions through hormone secretion; includes glands like the thyroid and pituitary.
Reproductive System: Produces offspring; includes organs like ovaries, testes, and the uterus.

Differences in anatomy arise from genetics, environmental influences, and other factors.
Variations can include differences in the number of ribs or the structure of blood vessels.