Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms.
It can be divided into several sub-disciplines:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the microscopic level, including histology and cytology.
- Developmental Anatomy: Study of anatomical changes from conception through adulthood.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: support, protection, movement, storage of minerals, and production of blood cells.
Muscular System
- Made up of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture maintenance, and heat production.
Nervous System
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: control of the body, sensory processing, and response coordination.
Circulatory System
- Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: transportation of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions: gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and regulation of blood pH.
Digestive System
- Comprised of the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs (liver, pancreas).
- Functions: breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Contains glands that secrete hormones (e.g., thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: regulation of metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
Immune System
- Composed of lymphatic organs, cells (lymphocytes), and tissues.
- Functions: defense against pathogens and disease.
Integumentary System
- Consists of skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.
- Functions: protection, temperature regulation, and sensory reception.
Reproductive System
- Male: testes, penis, and associated ducts.
- Female: ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
- Functions: reproduction and hormone production.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Standard position used as a reference point (standing, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward).
Directional Terms:
- Superior: above.
- Inferior: below.
- Anterior (ventral): front.
- Posterior (dorsal): back.
- Lateral: away from the midline.
- Medial: towards the midline.
- Proximal: closer to the origin of the body part.
- Distal: farther from the origin.

Planes of the Body

Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior.
Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior.

Common Anatomical Variations

Individual variations exist in the anatomy of organs and structures.
Examples include the number of ribs, vertebrae, and variations in organ size and shape.

Importance of Anatomy

Fundamental for understanding physiology, medicine, and various biological sciences.
Essential for fields such as surgery, radiology, and physical therapy.

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is a biological branch focused on the structure of organisms.
Divided into sub-disciplines:
- Gross Anatomy: Structures observable without a microscope.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Examination of tissues and cells; includes histology (study of tissues) and cytology (study of cells).
- Developmental Anatomy: Analysis of anatomical changes throughout life stages, from conception to adulthood.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System:
- Comprises bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: Supports the body, protects vital organs, facilitates movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells.
Muscular System:
- Consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Enables body movement, maintains posture, and generates heat.
Nervous System:
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Functions: Controls body activities, processes sensory information, and coordinates responses.
Circulatory System:
- Encompasses the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: Transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System:
- Comprises lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions: Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and helps regulate blood pH levels.
Digestive System:
- Consists of the gastrointestinal tract and accessories like the liver and pancreas.
- Functions: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Endocrine System:
- Contains hormone-secreting glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands.
- Functions: Regulates metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
Immune System:
- Made up of lymphatic organs, lymphocytes, and various tissues.
- Functions: Provides defense against pathogens and disease.
Integumentary System:
- Comprises skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.
- Functions: Protects underlying structures, regulates body temperature, and facilitates sensory reception.
Reproductive System:
- Male: Includes testes, penis, and associated ducts.
- Female: Comprises ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
- Functions: Involved in reproduction and hormone production.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Reference position; standing, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above; Inferior: Below.
- Anterior (ventral): Front; Posterior (dorsal): Back.
- Lateral: Away from the midline; Medial: Toward the midline.
- Proximal: Closer to the origin; Distal: Further from the origin.

Planes of the Body

Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sections.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) sections.

Common Anatomical Variations

Individual anatomical variations exist among individuals.
Examples include differing numbers of ribs, vertebrae, and variations in organ size and shape.

Importance of Anatomy

Essential for grasping concepts in physiology and medicine.
Foundational knowledge for diverse fields such as surgery, radiology, and physical therapy.