Introduction to Human Anatomy

Introduction to Human Anatomy

• Anatomy is the study of the structure of living things, from microscopic cells and molecules to whole organisms.
• Anatomy includes animal, human, and plant structures.
• The word "anatomy" comes from the Greek words "ana" (up or apart) and "tomos" (to cut).

What is Anatomy?

• Anatomy studies the shapes, sizes, and characteristics of human body parts.
• It focuses on the structure of living things.

Skeletal System Division

• Axial skeleton includes the bones of the head, neck, back, and chest.
• Appendicular skeleton is formed by bones that attach to the axial skeleton.

Classification of Anatomy

• Macroscopic (Gross) Anatomy:
  • Study of large body structures visible to the naked eye.
  • Examples include organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
  • Further divided into:
    • Regional Anatomy: Studying all structures in a specific region.
    • Systemic Anatomy: Studying body systems (e.g., cardiovascular, nervous).
    • Surface Anatomy: Studying internal structures by feeling external surfaces.
• Microscopic Anatomy:
  • Study of structures too small to see with the naked eye.
  • Divided into:
    • Cytology: Study of cells.
    • Histology: Study of tissues.

Developmental Anatomy

• Studies structural changes in the body throughout a lifetime.
• Includes the stage of development before birth.
• Embryology: The study of development before birth.

Systems of the Body

• Integumentary System:
  • External body covering (skin).
  • Protects underlying tissues.
  • Site of sensory receptors.
• Skeletal System:
  • Composed of bones.
  • Protects and supports body organs.
• Muscular System:
  • Muscles that produce body movement.
• Nervous System:
  • Composed of brain, sensory receptors, spinal cord.
  • Controls homeostasis through stimulating muscles and glands.
• Endocrine System:
  • Regulates body processes using hormones.
• Cardiovascular System:
  • Transports blood throughout the body.
• Lymphatic/Immune System:
  • Protects the body from foreign substances.
• Respiratory System:
  • Supplies blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
• Digestive System:
  • Breaks down food for absorption.
• Urinary System:
  • Regulates water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
• Reproductive System:
  • Responsible for the production of babies.

Regions of the Body

• Central Region: Head and neck, trunk.
• Trunk: Divisions include:
  • Thorax (chest)
  • Abdomen (region between the thorax and pelvis)
  • Pelvis (inferior part of the trunk)
• Upper Limb: Arm, forearm, wrist, hand.
• Lower Limb: Thigh, leg, ankle, foot.
• Back and Spine

Body Cavities

• Empty spaces within the body.
• Cranial Cavity: Holds the brain.
• Spinal Cavity: Contains the spinal cord.
• Thoracic Cavity: Contains the heart, lungs, etc.
• Abdominal Cavity: Contains organs like the stomach and intestines.
• Pelvic Cavity: Houses reproductive organs and bladder.

Body Cavities (further details)

• Two main subdivisions of body cavities:
• Dorsal Cavity: Protects nervous system:
  • Cranial cavity: Holds brain
  • Spinal cavity: Holds spinal cord
• Ventral Cavity: Houses visceral organs:
  • Thoracic cavity:
    • Pleural cavities: surround lungs
    • Mediastinum: contains heart, trachea, other structures
  • Abdominopelvic cavity:
    • Abdominal cavity contains organs like stomach, liver, intestines.
    • Pelvic cavity contains bladder, reproductive organs.

Methods of Study

• Regional approach: Studies regions of the body separately.
• Systemic approach: Studies body systems throughout the entire body.
• Surface anatomy: Examines the external form of the body.
• Anatomical imaging: Uses technologies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) to visualize internal structures.

Imaging Techniques

• X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, PET scans, and mammography.

Directional Terms

• Used to precisely locate and describe structures relative to one another.

Anatomical Position

• Standard reference point for directional terms.
• Body standing upright, facing forward, feet slightly apart, arms hanging, palms facing forward.

Body Planes and Sections

• Sagittal plane: Divides the body into right and left sections.
  • Midsagittal: Plane divides the body exactly in half.
  • Parasagittal: Offset plane from the midsagittal.
• Frontal plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
• Transverse plane: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Terms of Motion

• Describe movements of body parts. (Examples: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, circumduction, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, pronation, supination).

Explore the fascinating world of human anatomy, focusing on the structure and organization of body parts. This quiz covers key concepts such as the skeletal system, macroscopic anatomy, and the classification of anatomical studies. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge!