Introduction to Anatomy Lecture 1

Definition of Anatomy

• Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts and their relationships.
• The primary goal of anatomy is to assist medical students in understanding internal body structures for effective medical practice.

Methods of Studying Anatomy

• Dissection: Traditional method involving cutting the body to study organ shape and relations.
• Cadaver: Preserved body used for dissection studies.

Sub-Divisions of Anatomy

• Living Anatomy: Examines organ sites and shapes from the exterior of living individuals.
• Embryology: Focuses on the development of organs during intra-uterine life.
• Histology: Studies the structure and ultra structure of organs using microscopy.
• Endoscopy: Involves examining the interior of the body using endoscopes.
• Comparative Anatomy: Compares human anatomy with that of other vertebrates.
• Radiological Anatomy: Utilizes radiological films to study body anatomy.

Human Anatomy Classifications

• Regional Anatomy: Divided into specific regions such as head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, upper limb, and lower limb.
• Systemic Anatomy: Involves systems like integumentary, musculo-skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine.

Anatomical Planes

• Median Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into equal right and left halves.
• Para Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into unequal right and left parts, parallel to the median plane.
• Coronal Plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
• Horizontal Plane (Transverse): Divides the body into upper and lower parts.

Anatomical Position

• Body in erect posture, facing forward, arms by sides, feet close together, palms and eyes directed forward.

Anatomical Terms of Position

• Median: At the midline.
• Medial: Near the midline.
• Lateral: Away from the midline.
• Superior (Cranial): Near the head.
• Inferior (Caudal): Near the feet.
• Proximal: Closer to the trunk (in limbs).
• Distal: Further from the trunk (in limbs).
• Anterior (Ventral): Near the front.
• Posterior (Dorsal): Near the back.
• Palmar: Anterior surface of the hand.
• Plantar: Sole of the foot.
• Superficial: Nearer to the body surface.
• Deep: Away from the body surface.
• Ipsilateral: Same side.
• Contralateral: Opposite side.

Body Positions

• Supine Position: Lying on the back.
• Prone Position: Lying face downward.
• Lithotomy Position: Used for examinations or operations in urology, gynecology, proctology, and childbirth.

Terms Related to Movement

• Extension: Increasing the angle between articulating bones.
• Flexion: Decreasing the angle between articulating bones.
• Adduction: Movement toward the median plane.
• Abduction: Movement away from the median plane.
• Medial Rotation: Movement toward the median plane along the vertical axis.
• Lateral Rotation: Movement away from the median plane along the vertical axis.

Explore the fundamentals of anatomy in this introductory lecture. Learn about the divisions of anatomy, anatomical position, planes of the body, and the significance of directional terms in medical science. Gain a clear understanding of anatomical terminology and its application.