Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts.
It is divided into two main categories:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular level, including histology (tissues) and cytology (cells).

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Provides structure, support, and protection to the body.
- Produces blood cells and stores minerals.
Muscular System
- Consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Responsible for movement, posture, and heat production.
Nervous System
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Coordinates body activities by transmitting signals between different parts of the body.
Circulatory System
- Includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Composed of lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Responsible for gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs (liver, pancreas).
- Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Endocrine System
- Composed of glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
- Regulates bodily functions through hormones.
Reproductive System
- Male: Includes testes, seminal vesicles, and penis.
- Female: Includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Responsible for the production of gametes and hormones.
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Eliminates waste products from the body and regulates water and electrolyte balance.
Lymphatic/Immune System
- Composed of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and spleen.
- Helps protect the body against infections and disease.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms forward.
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

Planes of Section

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

Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavity: Contains the cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spinal cord).
Ventral Cavity: Contains thoracic cavity (heart and lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, reproductive organs).

Tissues

Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.
Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects other tissues (e.g., bone, blood, adipose).
Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement (skeletal, cardiac, smooth).
Nervous Tissue: Comprises neurons and glial cells, facilitates communication within the body.

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy studies the structure of organisms and their parts.
Divided into two categories:
- Gross Anatomy: Structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Cellular level study, including histology (tissues) and cytology (cells).

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System:
- Comprised of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Provides structure, support, and protection.
- Responsible for blood cell production and mineral storage.
Muscular System:
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Facilitates movement, maintains posture, and generates heat.
Nervous System:
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Coordinates body activities by transmitting signals throughout the body.
Circulatory System:
- Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System:
- Comprises lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Responsible for gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System:
- Involves the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, plus accessory organs (liver, pancreas).
- Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Endocrine System:
- Made up of glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
- Regulates bodily functions with hormones.
Reproductive System:
- Male: Contains testes, seminal vesicles, and penis.
- Female: Includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Responsible for the production of gametes and hormones.
Urinary System:
- Comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Eliminates waste and regulates water and electrolyte balance.
Lymphatic/Immune System:
- Consists of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and spleen.
- Protects the body against infections and diseases.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Upright stance, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior (Ventral): Front
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back
- Medial: Toward the midline
- Lateral: Away from the midline
- Proximal: Near the point of attachment
- Distal: Further from the point of attachment

Planes of Section

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

Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavity: Includes cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spinal cord).
Ventral Cavity: Contains thoracic cavity (heart and lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive and reproductive organs).

Tissues

Epithelial Tissue: Covers surfaces and lines cavities.
Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects other tissues (e.g., bone, blood).
Muscle Tissue: Facilitates movement (skeletal, cardiac, smooth).
Nervous Tissue: Comprises neurons and glial cells, enabling communication within the body.