Introduction to Anatomy Lecture 1 Quiz

Study Notes

Introduction to Anatomy

Anatomy is the oldest scientific discipline of medicine, focusing on the structure and function of the body, including its systems, organs, and tissues.
The term "anatomy" comes from the Greek words "ana" (up) and "tomy" (cutting).

Branches of Anatomy

Gross (macroscopic) Anatomy: • Regional Gross Anatomy • Systemic Gross Anatomy
Microscopic Anatomy: • Histology • Cytology
Surface Anatomy: • Deals with anatomical features that can be studied by sight, without dissection. • Important for physical examination, such as auscultation and percussion.

Anatomical Position

The anatomical position is a standard reference point for describing the body's position and movements.
In this position, the body is standing upright, with feet together, and arms at the sides.

Terms of Laterality

Bilateral: Paired structures having right and left members (e.g., the kidneys).
Unilateral: Structures occurring on one side only (e.g., the spleen).
Ipsilateral: Occurring on the same side of the body as another structure.
Contralateral: Occurring on the opposite side of the body relative to another structure.

Terms of Position (Directional Terms)

Supine: When the body is lying on the back.
Prone: When the body is lying on the face.
Intermediate: Between two surfaces.
Deep: Deeper to the surface.

Terms of Movement

Flexion: Decreasing the angle between the bones or parts of the body.
Extension: Increasing the angle between the bones or parts of the body.
Lateral Flexion: Moving the trunk in the coronal plane.
Abduction: Moving a limb in the coronal plane away from the midline of the body.
Adduction: Moving a limb in the coronal plane towards the midline of the body.
Rotation: Moving a part of the body around its long axis.
Medial Rotation: Turning the anterior surface towards the midline.
Lateral Rotation: Turning the anterior surface away from the midline.
Supination: Lateral rotation of the forearm, so the palm of the hand faces anteriorly.
Pronation: Medial rotation of the forearm, so the palm of the hand faces posteriorly.
Eversion: Moving the foot so that the sole faces laterally.
Inversion: Moving the foot so that the sole faces medially.
Circumduction: A circular movement of a body part, such as a ball-and-socket joint or the eye.
Protrusion: Moving a part of the body anteriorly (forward).
Retrusion: Moving a part of the body posteriorly (backward).

Body Cavities

Body cavities are spaces within the body that contain vital organs.
Major cavities: • Dorsal cavities: Cranial and vertebral cavities, which are continuous with each other at the base of the skull through the foramen magnum. • Ventral cavities: Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities, separated by the diaphragm.
Minor cavities: • Nasal, orbital, ear, oral, and synovial cavities.

Integumentary System: Skin

Skin is the body's largest organ, consisting of the epidermis and dermis.
Functions of the skin: • Protection • Heat regulation • Sensation • Synthesis and storage of vitamin D.

Skin Layers

Epidermis: • Stratified squamous epithelium. • A superficial keratin (dead tissue) layer. • A deeper regenerative cellular layer.
Dermis: • Deep to the epidermis. • Consists of collagen and elastic fibers. • Contains hair follicles, arrector pili muscle, and sebaceous glands.

Subcutaneous Tissue (Superficial Fascia)

Composed of loose connective tissue.
Incisions parallel to these lines tend to heal with lesser scar formation.

Fascia

Constitutes the wrapping, packing, and insulating materials of the deep structures of the body.
Types of fascia: • Superficial fascia (subcutaneous tissue). • Deep fascia:
- A layer of dense connective tissue that can surround individual muscles.
- Surrounds groups of muscles to separate into fascial compartments. • Intermuscular septa:
- Thick sheets of deep fascia that separate muscles in the limbs.
- Extend centrally from the surrounding fascia to attach to bones. • Retinacula:
- A band around tendons that holds them in place.
- Not part of any muscle. • Bursae:
- Closed sacs or envelopes of serous membrane.
- Occur in locations subject to friction, enabling one structure to move more freely over another.

Description

Test your knowledge on the definitions of anatomy, descriptive anatomical position, terms related to position and movements, skin, and fascia. Learn about anatomy branches, imaginary planes, anatomical position, regional vs systemic anatomy, anatomical terms, body cavities, skin, and fascia.