Introduction to Anatomy

• Anatomy is the study of the structure of living organisms.
• It includes the study of cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the body.
• Anatomy can be divided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.

Gross Anatomy

• Gross anatomy involves the study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye.
• It includes surface anatomy, regional anatomy, and systemic anatomy.
• Surface anatomy focuses on external body structures and their relation to deeper structures.
• Regional anatomy examines all structures within a specific body region.
• Systemic anatomy studies the anatomy of the body's organ systems.

Microscopic Anatomy

• Microscopic anatomy involves the study of structures that can only be seen with a microscope.
• It includes cytology and histology.
• Cytology is the study of cells.
• Histology is the study of tissues.

Anatomical Position

• Anatomical position is a standardized reference point for describing the body.
• In anatomical position, the body is erect, feet are slightly apart, palms face forward, and thumbs point away from the body.

Anatomical Planes

• Anatomical planes are used to divide the body into sections.
• The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right parts.
• The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.
• The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Anatomical Directions

• Superior (cranial): Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body.
• Inferior (caudal): Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body.
• Anterior (ventral): Toward the front of the body.
• Posterior (dorsal): Toward the back of the body.
• Medial: Toward the midline of the body.
• Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.
• Proximal: Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
• Distal: Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Skeletal System

• The skeletal system provides support, protection, movement, storage, and blood cell formation.
• It consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
• Bones are classified by shape: long, short, flat, irregular.
• The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
• The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and their girdles.

Muscular System

• The muscular system is responsible for movement, posture, and heat production.
• It consists of skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, and cardiac muscle.
• Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and produce voluntary movement.
• Smooth muscles are found in the walls of internal organs and produce involuntary movement.
• Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood.

Nervous System

• The nervous system controls and coordinates bodily functions.
• It consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
• The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord.
• The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
• Neurons are the basic functional units of the nervous system.

Endocrine System

• The endocrine system regulates bodily functions through hormones.
• It consists of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
• Major endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas.

Cardiovascular System

• The cardiovascular system transports blood, nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.
• It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
• The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels.
• Arteries carry blood away from the heart.
• Veins carry blood back to the heart.
• Capillaries are small vessels that allow exchange of substances between blood and tissues.

Lymphatic System

• The lymphatic system returns fluid to the bloodstream and plays a role in immunity.
• It consists of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs.
• Lymph is a fluid similar to plasma that circulates in lymphatic vessels.
• Lymph nodes filter lymph and house immune cells.

Respiratory System

• The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange.
• It consists of the lungs and air passages.
• The lungs extract oxygen from the air and expel carbon dioxide.
• Air passes through the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi before reaching the lungs.

Digestive System

• The digestive system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
• It consists of the alimentary canal and accessory organs.
• The alimentary canal includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
• Accessory organs include the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Urinary System

• The urinary system removes waste products from the blood and regulates fluid balance.
• It consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
• The kidneys filter blood and produce urine.
• Urine is stored in the urinary bladder and eliminated through the urethra.

Reproductive System

• The reproductive system is responsible for the production of offspring.
• The male reproductive system includes the testes, vas deferens, and penis.
• The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

Integumentary System

• The integumentary system protects the body and regulates temperature.
• It consists of the skin, hair, and nails.
• The skin is the largest organ of the body.
• It provides a barrier against infection and injury.