Overview of Anatomy

Definition: Study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Subdivisions:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular level (e.g. histology).
- Developmental Anatomy: Study of structural changes from conception to adulthood (embryology).

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System:
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: Support, movement, protection, blood cell production, mineral storage.
Muscular System:
- Consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Movement, posture maintenance, heat production.
Nervous System:
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: Control of body activities, response to stimuli, coordination.
Circulatory System:
- Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: Transport nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System:
- Includes nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm.
- Functions: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System:
- Comprises the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
- Functions: Breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
Endocrine System:
- Includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
- Functions: Hormonal regulation of body processes.
Urinary System:
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: Removal of waste, regulation of blood volume and pressure.
Reproductive System:
- Male: Includes testes, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis.
- Female: Includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Functions: Production of gametes and hormones, reproduction.
Integumentary System:
- Consists of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Anterior (front) / Posterior (back)
- Superior (above) / Inferior (below)
- Medial (toward the midline) / Lateral (away from the midline)
- Proximal (closer to the trunk) / Distal (further from the trunk)
Body Planes:
- Sagittal (divides left and right)
- Coronal (divides anterior and posterior)
- Transverse (divides superior and inferior)

Anatomical Position

Standard reference position: standing upright, arms at the sides, palms facing forward, feet together.

Important Anatomical Concepts

Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.
Tissues: Groups of cells with similar structure and function. Types include epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.
Organs: Structures composed of two or more types of tissues working together for specific functions.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding anatomy is crucial for medical professions, surgical procedures, and diagnosing diseases.

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy explores the structure and organization of living organisms.
Divided into key subdivisions:
- Gross Anatomy investigates structures visible without microscopy.
- Microscopic Anatomy examines cells and tissues, focusing on histology.
- Developmental Anatomy tracks structural changes from conception through adulthood.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System:
- Comprises bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Provides support, facilitates movement, protects vital organs, produces blood cells, and stores minerals.
Muscular System:
- Encompasses skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle types.
- Responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat.
Nervous System:
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Coordinates body activities, responds to stimuli, and manages sensory information.
Circulatory System:
- Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Essential for transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste throughout the body.
Respiratory System:
- Comprises nasal passages, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm.
- Facilitates gas exchange, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Digestive System:
- Includes mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
- Responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Endocrine System:
- Composed of glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
- Regulates body processes through hormone secretion.
Urinary System:
- Consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions to remove waste and regulate blood volume and pressure.
Reproductive System:
- Male includes testes, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis; Female includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Key for gamete production and hormone secretion, facilitating reproduction.
Integumentary System:
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.
- Provides protection, regulates body temperature, and functions in sensation.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms clarify position relative to the body:
- Anterior (front) / Posterior (back)
- Superior (above) / Inferior (below)
- Medial (toward midline) / Lateral (away from midline)
- Proximal (near trunk) / Distal (far from trunk)
Body Planes help in anatomical orientation:
- Sagittal plane divides the body into left and right parts.
- Coronal plane separates anterior from posterior.
- Transverse plane splits the body into superior and inferior sections.

Anatomical Position

Defined as standing upright, arms at sides, palms facing forward, and feet together, serving as a reference for anatomical descriptions.

Important Anatomical Concepts

Homeostasis: Maintains stable internal conditions critical for survival.
Tissues are categorized into four types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue, each serving distinct functions.
Organs consist of multiple tissue types working collaboratively to perform specific tasks.