Overview of Anatomy and Body Systems

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology that deals with the structure of organisms and their parts.
It is divided into two main areas:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular and tissue level.

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Movement, posture, heat production.
Nervous System
- Comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: Control and coordination of body activities, processing sensory information.
Circulatory System
- Consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
- Functions: Transportation of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs and airways.
- Functions: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide), regulation of blood pH.
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Functions: Breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Consists of glands that secrete hormones (e.g., thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: Regulation of metabolic processes, growth, and reproduction.
Urinary System
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: Filtration of blood, removal of waste, regulation of fluid balance.
Reproductive System
- Male: Testes, penis, and associated glands.
- Female: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Functions: Production of gametes, fertilization, and development of offspring.
Integumentary System
- Comprises skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensory reception.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior (Ventral): Front
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back
- Medial: Toward the midline
- Lateral: Away from the midline
- Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment
- Distal: Further from the point of attachment
Body Planes:
- Sagittal: Divides body into left and right
- Frontal (Coronal): Divides body into anterior and posterior
- Transverse (Horizontal): Divides body into superior and inferior

Basic Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue
- Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.
- Functions: Protection, absorption, secretion.
Connective Tissue
- Supports, binds, and protects other tissues.
- Types include bone, adipose (fat), blood, and cartilage.
Muscle Tissue
- Responsible for movement.
- Types: Skeletal (voluntary), Cardiac (involuntary), Smooth (involuntary).
Nervous Tissue
- Composed of neurons and supporting cells (glial cells).
- Functions: Transmission of electrical signals and processing information.

Importance of Anatomy

Essential for medical and health sciences.
Forms the basis for understanding diseases, injuries, and treatments.
Aids in the study of physiology, pathology, and various branches of biology.

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy studies the structure of organisms and their components.
Divided into two main categories:
- Gross Anatomy: Structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Structures at cellular and tissue levels.

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions include support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and heat production.
Nervous System
- Comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Controls and coordinates body activities and processes sensory information.
Circulatory System
- Made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
- Transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Consists of the lungs and airways.
- Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and regulates blood pH.
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Endocrine System
- Composed of hormone-secreting glands, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands.
- Regulations of metabolic processes, growth, and reproductive functions.
Urinary System
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Filters blood, removes waste, and regulates fluid balance.
Reproductive System
- Male: Comprises testes, penis, and associated glands.
- Female: Comprises ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Produces gametes, allows fertilization, and supports offspring development.
Integumentary System
- Consists of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Provides protection, regulates temperature, and facilitates sensory reception.

Anatomical Terminology

Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior (Ventral): Front
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back
- Medial: Toward the midline
- Lateral: Away from the midline
- Proximal: Closer to attachment point
- Distal: Further from attachment point
Body Planes:
- Sagittal: Divides body into left and right
- Frontal (Coronal): Divides body into anterior and posterior
- Transverse (Horizontal): Divides body into superior and inferior

Basic Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue
- Covers body surfaces and lines cavities, providing protection, absorption, and secretion.
Connective Tissue
- Supports, binds, and protects other tissues; includes types like bone, adipose (fat), blood, and cartilage.
Muscle Tissue
- Responsible for movement; includes types: Skeletal (voluntary), Cardiac (involuntary), Smooth (involuntary).
Nervous Tissue
- Composed of neurons and glial cells; critical for transmitting electrical signals and processing information.