Overview of Anatomy

Definition: Study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Branches:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular level (histology and cytology).

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: Support, movement, protection, blood cell production, calcium storage.
Muscular System
- Comprises skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Movement, posture, heat production.
Nervous System
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: Control of body activities, response to stimuli, coordination.
Circulatory System
- Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: Transport of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Composed of the lungs and airways.
- Functions: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide), speech.
Digestive System
- Includes the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Functions: Breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Made up of glands that secrete hormones.
- Functions: Regulation of metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Urinary System
- Comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: Waste elimination, fluid balance, electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Male: testes, vas deferens, prostate, penis.
- Female: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.
- Functions: Production of gametes, hormone secretion, reproduction.
Integumentary System
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior: Front
- Posterior: Back
- Medial: Closer to the midline
- Lateral: Farther from the midline
- Proximal: Closer to the trunk
- Distal: Farther from the trunk
Planes of Reference:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right.
- Frontal Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior.
- Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior.

Common Anatomical Structures

Cells: Basic unit of life, with various types performing different functions.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing a common function (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous).
Organs: Structures composed of two or more tissue types working together (e.g., heart, lungs).
Organ Systems: Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Importance of Anatomy

Understanding anatomy is crucial for various fields, including medicine, biology, and physical therapy.
Provides a foundation for understanding physiology (how body systems function).

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Divided into two main branches:
- Gross Anatomy examines structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy focuses on cellular-level structures, including histology and cytology.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System:
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions include providing support, enabling movement, protecting vital organs, producing blood cells, and storing calcium.
Muscular System:
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and producing heat.
Nervous System:
- Encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Manages bodily functions, responds to stimuli, and coordinates activities.
Circulatory System:
- Made up of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Key functions include transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System:
- Comprises the lungs and airways.
- Primary function is gas exchange—delivering oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
Digestive System:
- Consists of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs like the liver and pancreas.
- Responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.
Endocrine System:
- Consists of various glands that secrete hormones.
- Plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, growth, and reproductive processes.
Urinary System:
- Includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions in waste elimination and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System:
- Male components: testes, vas deferens, prostate, and penis.
- Female components: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Essential for producing gametes, secreting hormones, and facilitating reproduction.
Integumentary System:
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions include protection from external elements, temperature regulation, and sensory perception.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Superior: above another structure.
- Inferior: below another structure.
- Anterior: front of the body.
- Posterior: back of the body.
- Medial: closer to the midline.
- Lateral: farther from the midline.
- Proximal: closer to the trunk.
- Distal: farther from the trunk.
Planes of Reference:
- Sagittal Plane: divides the body into left and right sections.
- Frontal Plane: divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
- Transverse Plane: divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.

Common Anatomical Structures

Cells: The fundamental unit of life with various types serving different roles.
Tissues: Collections of similar cells performing specific functions, categorized into four types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.
Organs: Structures made up of two or more tissue types working in concert (e.g., the heart and lungs).
Organ Systems: Integrative groups of organs collectively performing complex bodily functions.

Importance of Anatomy

Essential for fields like medicine, biology, and physical therapy, as it lays the groundwork for understanding bodily functions.
Knowledge of anatomy provides insight into physiology, the study of how different systems work and interact within the body.