Introduction to Human Anatomy and Terminology

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Terminology

• The course is taught by A. Taha Demirbaş
• Assessments include a midterm and final exam
• Exams are multiple choice questions
• Presentations are given
• Attendance is mandatory (70%)
• Contact information is provided

Historical Figures in Anatomy

• Hippocrates (460-377 BCE) is considered the "father of medicine" and founder of anatomy
• Hippocrates' motto "Primum non nocere" (First, do no harm) is fundamental to medical ethics
• Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564) is the founder of modern anatomy
• Vesalius's work, "De humani corporis fabrica," (On the Fabric of the Human Body) is a key anatomical text

Organization of Human Body

• The organism is composed of organ systems
• Organ systems are composed of organs that work together
• Organs are composed of tissues that perform specific functions
• Tissues are composed of cells

What is Anatomy?

• Anatomy is the science of the shape and structure of the body
• Anatomy examines organs and their relationships
• Anatomy includes structures of the body and their functions
• The term "anatomy" comes from the Greek words "ana" (inside) and "tome" (cut/dissection)

Anatomy Subdisciplines

• Macroanatomy (Gross Anatomy) studies systems and areas
• Systemic Anatomy studies the body's systems
• Regional Anatomy studies specific areas of the human body
• Microanatomy studies tissues and cells
• Histology studies tissues
• Cytology studies cells
• Other specializations such as surgical anatomy and radiological anatomy

Systemic Anatomy

• Systemic anatomy covers the following systems of the human body:
• Skeletal
• Muscular
• Digestive
• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Reproductive
• Urinary
• Nervous (with circulatory system)

Anatomical Position

• Anatomical position is a standard reference point for describing body structures
• A person stands upright; feet flat on the ground and close together
• Arms hang at the sides; palms facing forward
• Face directed forward

Major Body Regions

• The body is often divided into axial and appendicular regions
• Axial region includes the head, neck, and trunk (thorax and abdomen)
• Appendicular region includes upper and lower limbs
• Specific regional locations are mentioned for details (e.g., brachial, femoral, tarsal regions) and anatomical landmarks (e.g., acromial, inguinal)

Body Cavities and Membranes

• Body cavities enclose internal organs
• Cavities are lined with membranes
• Internal organs are called viscera
• Thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity are distinct body cavities
• The cavities contain specific internal organs as well as membranes

Anatomical Planes

• Anatomical planes are imaginary surfaces cutting through the body used to describe location
• Sagittal plane divides the body into right and left portions
• Median (midsagittal) plane divides into equal halves
• Frontal (coronal) plane divides into front and back portions
• Transverse (horizontal) plane divides into superior and inferior portions

Directional Terms

• Directional terms help to describe relative locations.
• Common directional terms are explained (e.g., anterior, posterior; medial, lateral; proximal, distal; superficial, deep)