Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology that studies the structure of organisms.
It can be divided into:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular and tissue levels, includes histology and cytology.

Major Anatomical Systems

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: support, movement, protection, blood cell production, calcium storage.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture, heat production.
Nervous System
- Divided into central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Functions: sensory perception, thought processing, motor control.
Cardiovascular System
- Composed of the heart and blood vessels.
- Functions: transport of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and diaphragm.
- Functions: gas exchange, oxygen supply, carbon dioxide removal.
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (liver, pancreas).
- Functions: nutrient breakdown and absorption, waste elimination.
Urinary System
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: waste removal, fluid balance, electrolyte regulation.
Endocrine System
- Consists of glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: hormone production and regulation of bodily functions.
Reproductive System
- Male: testes, prostate, penis.
- Female: ovaries, uterus, vagina.
- Functions: production of gametes, hormone secretion, reproduction.

Anatomical Terminology

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

Importance of Anatomy

Understanding anatomy is crucial for:
- Medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
- Biologists for studying organism functions.
- Educators for teaching biological sciences.

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy studies the structure of organisms, categorized into gross and microscopic anatomy.
Gross Anatomy focuses on structures visible to the naked eye.
Microscopic Anatomy covers cellular and tissue structures, including histology (study of tissues) and cytology (study of cells).

Major Anatomical Systems

Skeletal System:
- Made up of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: provides support, allows movement, protects organs, produces blood cells, stores calcium.
Muscular System:
- Comprised of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: enables movement, maintains posture, generates heat.
Nervous System:
- Divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Functions: processes sensory information, controls thoughts and motor actions.
Cardiovascular System:
- Consists of the heart and blood vessels.
- Functions: transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste throughout the body.
Respiratory System:
- Includes lungs, trachea, bronchi, and diaphragm.
- Functions: facilitates gas exchange, supplies oxygen, removes carbon dioxide.
Digestive System:
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs like the liver and pancreas.
- Functions: breaks down nutrients, absorbs them, and eliminates waste.
Urinary System:
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: removes waste, balances fluid levels, regulates electrolytes.
Endocrine System:
- Comprised of various glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
- Functions: produces hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions.
Reproductive System:
- Male components: testes, prostate, and penis.
- Female components: ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
- Functions: produces gametes, secretes hormones, facilitates reproduction.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Superior: higher location
- Inferior: lower location
- Anterior (ventral): front side
- Posterior (dorsal): back side
- Medial: closer to the midline
- Lateral: farther from the midline
- Proximal: nearer to the trunk
- Distal: farther from the trunk
Body Planes:
- Sagittal Plane: divides the body into left and right sections.
- Coronal (Frontal) Plane: separates the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
- Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: dissects the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) segments.

Importance of Anatomy

Fundamental for medical professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment of conditions.
Essential for biologists in understanding organism functions and structures.
Valuable for educators in delivering biological sciences effectively.