Overview of Anatomy and Body Systems

Anatomy is the branch of biology that studies the structure and organization of living organisms.
It can be divided into several sub-disciplines including gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.

Gross Anatomy
- Studies structures visible to the naked eye.
- Includes surface anatomy, regional anatomy, and systemic anatomy.
Microscopic Anatomy
- Focuses on structures that require a microscope to be seen.
- Includes histology (study of tissues) and cytology (study of cells).
Developmental Anatomy
- Examines the development of organisms from fertilization to adulthood.
- Embryology is a key aspect, focusing on the early stages of development.
Comparative Anatomy
- Compares anatomical structures across different species.
- Helps in understanding evolutionary relationships.

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones and cartilage.
- Functions: support, protection, movement, storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Comprises skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture, heat production.
Circulatory System
- Consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
- Functions: transportation of nutrients, gases, waste products.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions: gas exchange, oxygen supply to blood, removal of carbon dioxide.
Digestive System
- Comprises the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Functions: breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
Nervous System
- Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: control and coordination of body activities, processing sensory information.
Endocrine System
- Includes glands that secrete hormones (e.g., thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: regulates processes such as growth, metabolism, and homeostasis.
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: removal of waste, regulation of blood volume and pressure.
Reproductive System
- Male: testes, prostate, and penis; female: ovaries, uterus, vagina.
- Functions: production of gametes, reproduction.
Integumentary System
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: protection, sensory perception, regulation of temperature.

Directional Terms: Describe position relative to other structures (e.g., anterior, posterior, superior, inferior).
Planes of Reference:
- Sagittal plane: divides the body into left and right.
- Coronal (frontal) plane: divides the body into anterior and posterior.
- Transverse plane: divides the body into superior and inferior.

Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
Body Cavities: Spaces within the body (e.g., cranial, thoracic, abdominal) that house organs.
Tissue Types: Four main types - epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue. Each has specific functions and structures.

Gross anatomy studies visible structures
- Surface anatomy examines the body's exterior
- Regional anatomy studies specific areas such as the arm or leg
- Systemic anatomy focuses on organ systems such as the digestive system
Microscopic anatomy studies structures that require a microscope to see
- Histology studies tissues
- Cytology studies cells
Developmental anatomy explores the development of organisms from fertilization to adulthood
- Embryology focuses on the early stages of development
Comparative anatomy compares anatomical structures across various species
- It helps us understand evolutionary relationships

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones and cartilage
- Functions: support, protection, movement, storage, blood cell production
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles
- Functions: movement, posture, heat production
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart, blood, and blood vessels
- Functions: transportation of nutrients, gases, waste products
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm
- Functions: gas exchange, oxygen supply to blood, removal of carbon dioxide
Digestive System
- Comprises the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs
- Functions: breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination
Nervous System
- Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
- Functions: control and coordination of body activities, processing sensory information
Endocrine System
- Includes glands that secrete hormones (e.g., thyroid, adrenal)
- Functions: regulates processes such as growth, metabolism, and homeostasis
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
- Functions: removal of waste, regulation of blood volume and pressure
Reproductive System
- Male: testes, prostate, and penis; female: ovaries, uterus, vagina
- Functions: production of gametes, reproduction
Integumentary System
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands
- Functions: protection, sensory perception, regulation of temperature

Directional Terms: Describe the location of structures relative to each other (e.g., anterior, posterior, superior, inferior)
Planes of Reference
- Sagittal plane: divides the body into left and right
- Coronal (frontal) plane: divides the body into anterior and posterior
- Transverse plane: divides the body into superior and inferior

Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment
Body Cavities: Spaces within the body (e.g., cranial, thoracic, abdominal) that house organs
Tissue Types: Four main types - epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue. Each has specific functions and structures.