Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology that studies the structure of organisms and their parts.
It is divided into several subfields:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular and tissue levels, including histology and cytology.
- Developmental Anatomy: Study of the development of an organism from fertilization to adulthood.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: Support, movement, protection of organs, mineral storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Composed of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Movement, posture maintenance, heat production.
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: Transport of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Composed of the lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
- Functions: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (liver, pancreas).
- Functions: Breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste.
Nervous System
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: Control and coordination of body activities, response to stimuli.
Endocrine System
- Composed of glands that secrete hormones (e.g., thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: Regulation of metabolism, growth, and development.
Immune System
- Composed of lymphatic organs, leukocytes (white blood cells).
- Functions: Defense against pathogens and disease.
Integumentary System
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensory reception.
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: Removal of waste products, regulation of water and electrolytes.
Reproductive System
- Composed of male (testes, penis) and female (ovaries, uterus) reproductive organs.
- Functions: Production of gametes, hormone regulation, offspring generation.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior (ventral): Front
- Posterior (dorsal): Back
- Medial: Closer to the midline
- Lateral: Further from the midline
- Proximal: Closer to the trunk
- Distal: Further from the trunk
Body Planes:
- Sagittal: Divides body into left and right parts.
- Coronal (frontal): Divides body into anterior and posterior parts.
- Transverse (horizontal): Divides body into superior and inferior parts.

Importance of Anatomy

Understanding human anatomy is crucial for:
- Medical education and practice.
- Diagnosing diseases and conditions.
- Performing surgeries and medical procedures.
- Advancing fields such as physiotherapy, sports medicine, and biomedical research.

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy focuses on the structure of organisms and their components.
Subfields include:
- Gross Anatomy: Examination of structures visible without a microscope.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Analysis of structures at the cellular level, covering histology (tissues) and cytology (cells).
- Developmental Anatomy: Observes the growth and development from fertilization to maturity.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System
- Comprised of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions include support, movement, organ protection, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Made up of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Responsible for body movement, maintaining posture, and heat generation.
Circulatory System
- Comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions to transport nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
- Facilitates gas exchange, specifically oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.
Digestive System
- Encompasses the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs like the liver and pancreas.
- Responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Nervous System
- Made up of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Controls and coordinates body activities and responds to external stimuli.
Endocrine System
- Consists of hormone-secreting glands, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands.
- Regulates metabolism, growth, and development through hormone signaling.
Immune System
- Comprises lymphatic organs and leukocytes (white blood cells).
- Provides defense against pathogens and diseases.
Integumentary System
- Includes skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.
- Protects the body, regulates temperature, and allows sensory perception.
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Eliminates waste products and regulates water and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Involves male (testes, penis) and female (ovaries, uterus) reproductive organs.
- Functions to produce gametes (sperm and eggs), regulate hormones, and facilitate offspring generation.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Superior: Positioned above
- Inferior: Positioned below
- Anterior (ventral): Positioned at the front
- Posterior (dorsal): Positioned at the back
- Medial: Closer to the body’s midline
- Lateral: Further from the body’s midline
- Proximal: Closer to the trunk
- Distal: Further from the trunk
Body Planes:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sections.
- Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Separates the body into anterior and posterior parts.
- Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Importance of Anatomy

Essential for medical education and healthcare practice.
Crucial for accurately diagnosing diseases and conditions.
Key for performing surgeries and medical procedures.
Supports advancements in physiotherapy, sports medicine, and biomedical research.