Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology that studies the structure of organisms.
It encompasses two main subdivisions: macroscopic (gross) anatomy and microscopic anatomy.

Gross Anatomy
- Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Includes:
  - Systemic Anatomy: studies organ systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory).
  - Regional Anatomy: focuses on specific areas of the body (e.g., thorax, abdomen).
  - Surface Anatomy: examines external features of the body.
Microscopic Anatomy
- Study of structures at the cellular and tissue level.
- Includes:
  - Histology: examination of tissues.
  - Cytology: study of individual cells.

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: farther from the point of attachment
Body Planes
- Sagittal Plane: divides the body into left and right.
- Coronal (frontal) Plane: divides the body into anterior and posterior.
- Transverse (horizontal) Plane: divides the body into superior and inferior.

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, ligaments.
- Supports body structure and protects organs.
Muscular System
- Includes all muscles in the body.
- Responsible for movement and posture.
Nervous System
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Controls and coordinates bodily functions.
Circulatory System
- Includes heart and blood vessels.
- Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Composed of lungs and airways.
- Responsible for gas exchange.
Digestive System
- Includes the stomach, intestines, and other organs.
- Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
Endocrine System
- Consists of glands that secrete hormones.
- Regulates metabolism, growth, and development.
Immune System
- Composed of lymph nodes, spleen, and white blood cells.
- Protects the body against pathogens.

Cells: Basic structural and functional units of life. Types include:
- Epithelial cells: line surfaces and cavities.
- Muscle cells: responsible for contraction and movement.
- Nerve cells (neurons): transmit signals.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing a specific function.
- Epithelial Tissue: protective and absorptive functions.
- Connective Tissue: supports, binds, and protects organs.
- Muscle Tissue: facilitates movement.
- Nervous Tissue: transmits signals throughout the body.

Embryology: Study of the development of embryos from fertilization to birth.
Comparative Anatomy: Studies similarities and differences among different species.

Anatomy is a vital field that serves as the foundation for medicine and health sciences, facilitating an understanding of the human body’s complex structure and functions.

Anatomy is the study of an organism’s structure; it's divided into two main branches:
- Gross Anatomy: Studies structures visible to the naked eye, like organ systems (Systemic anatomy), specific body regions (Regional anatomy), or external features (Surface anatomy).
- Microscopic Anatomy: Examines structures at the cellular and tissue level, through Histology (tissue study) and Cytology (cell study).

Directional Terms:
- Superior: Located above another structure.
- Inferior: Located below another structure.
- Anterior (Ventral): Front of the body.
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back of the body.
- Medial: Toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.
- Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment.
- Distal: Farther from the point of attachment.
Body Planes: Imaginary flat surfaces that divide the body:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sections.
- Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.
- Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior sections.

Skeletal System: Provides body support and organ protection; consists of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
Muscular System: Responsible for movement and posture; includes all muscles in the body
Nervous System: Controls and coordinates bodily functions; composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Circulatory System: Transports nutrients, gases, and waste; includes the heart and blood vessels.
Respiratory System: Responsible for gas exchange; includes lungs and airways.
Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients; includes the stomach, intestines, and accessory organs.
Endocrine System: Regulates metabolism, growth, and development; composed of glands secreting hormones.
Immune System: Protects the body from pathogens; includes lymph nodes, spleen, and white blood cells.

Cells: Basic structural and functional units of life; various types with specific functions:
- Epithelial cells: Line surfaces and cavities.
- Muscle cells: Responsible for contraction and movement.
- Nerve cells (neurons): Transmit signals.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing a specific function:
- Epithelial Tissue: Protective and absorptive functions.
- Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects organs.
- Muscle Tissue: Facilitates movement.
- Nervous Tissue: Transmits signals throughout the body.

Embryology: The study of embryonic development from fertilization to birth.
Comparative Anatomy: Examines similarities and differences among different species.
Clinical Anatomy: Focuses on anatomy related to medical practice, crucial for diagnosis and surgical procedures.

X-rays: Produce images of bones and dense tissues.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Creates detailed images of soft tissues and organs.
CT scans (Computed Tomography): Produce cross-sectional images of the body.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures.