Overview of Anatomy

Definition: Study of the structure of the body and its parts.
Branches:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular level, includes histology and cytology.
- Developmental Anatomy: Study of the development of the body from fertilization to adulthood.

Cells: Basic unit of life, various types with specific functions.
Tissues: Groups of cells with similar structure and function; four main types:
- Epithelial
- Connective
- Muscle
- Nervous
Organs: Structures composed of two or more tissue types performing specific functions (e.g., heart, liver).
Systems: Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions (e.g., circulatory, respiratory).

Skeletal System: Provides structure, support, and protection; includes bones and joints.
Muscular System: Responsible for movement; includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
Circulatory System: Transports blood, nutrients, gases, and waste; includes the heart and blood vessels.
Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange; includes lungs and airways.
Digestive System: Breaks down food for nutrients; includes the stomach and intestines.
Nervous System: Controls body functions; includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Endocrine System: Regulates bodily functions through hormones; includes glands like the thyroid and pancreas.
Immune System: Defends against pathogens; includes lymph nodes and white blood cells.
Integumentary System: Protects the body; includes skin, hair, and nails.
Urinary System: Eliminates waste; includes kidneys and bladder.
Reproductive System: Produces offspring; includes male and female reproductive organs.

Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior: Front
- Posterior: Back
- Medial: Toward 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 portions.
- Coronal (Frontal): Divides body into anterior and posterior portions.
- Transverse (Horizontal): Divides body into superior and inferior portions.

Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
Anatomical Position: Standard position used as a reference; standing, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms facing forward.

Clinical Relevance: Essential for understanding health, disease, and medical procedures.
Interdisciplinary Links: Connects with physiology, pathology, and other medical sciences.

Anatomy is the study of the body’s structure and its parts.
Major branches include:
- Gross Anatomy: Examines structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Focuses on cellular structures, including histology and cytology.
- Developmental Anatomy: Studies body development from fertilization to adulthood.

Cells: The fundamental units of life with various types fulfilling specific roles.
Tissues: Composed of similar cells, categorized into four main types:
- Epithelial Tissue: Covers surfaces and lines cavities.
- Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues.
- Muscle Tissue: Facilitates movement.
- Nervous Tissue: Transmits impulses for communication.
Organs: Combinations of two or more tissue types carrying out specific functions (e.g., heart, liver).
Systems: Groups of organs that collaborate for comprehensive functions (e.g., circulatory, respiratory).

Skeletal System: Provides structure and protection, encompassing bones and joints.
Muscular System: Enables movement, consisting of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle types.
Circulatory System: Circulates blood, nutrients, gases, and waste through the heart and blood vessels.
Respiratory System: Engages in gas exchange using the lungs and airways.
Digestive System: Breaks down food for nutrient absorption, involving the stomach and intestines.
Nervous System: Coordinates body functions through communication, involving the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Endocrine System: Regulates functions through hormone release from glands like the thyroid and pancreas.
Immune System: Protects against pathogens, including lymph nodes and white blood cells.
Integumentary System: Serves as a protective barrier consisting of skin, hair, and nails.
Urinary System: Eliminates waste through organs like the kidneys and bladder.
Reproductive System: Facilitates reproduction, involving male and female reproductive organs.

Directional terms establish body orientation:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior: Front
- Posterior: Back
- Medial: Towards the midline
- Lateral: Away from the midline
- Proximal: Closer to the trunk
- Distal: Further from the trunk
Body planes divide the body into sections:
- Sagittal: Left and right portions.
- Coronal (Frontal): Anterior and posterior portions.
- Transverse (Horizontal): Superior and inferior portions.

Homeostasis refers to the body’s capacity to maintain stable internal conditions amid external fluctuations.
Anatomical Position: A standard reference position—standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Clinical relevance underscores the need for anatomical knowledge in health, disease, and medical practices.
Interdisciplinary connections exist with physiology, pathology, and various medical sciences.