Overview of Anatomy

Overview of Anatomy

• Anatomy is the branch of science that studies the structure of the body and its parts.
• It encompasses the study of cells, tissues, organs, and systems within an organism.
• It looks at the shape, size, location, and relationships of different structures.
• Closely linked to physiology, studying function.

Branches of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy: Examining large structures visible to the naked eye.
  • Regional anatomy: Focuses on structures within specific regions of the body (like the head or chest).
  • Systemic anatomy: Studies organ systems, e.g., the cardiovascular system.
  • Surface anatomy: Describes structures as they relate to the surface of the body.
• Microscopic Anatomy: Studies structures not visible without magnification.
  • Cytology: Examines the structure of cells.
  • Histology: Investigates the microscopic structure of tissues.
• Developmental Anatomy: Studies the changes in form and structure during an organism's lifespan.

Anatomical Terminology

• Anatomical terms are used to precisely describe body parts and their positions.
  • Directional terms: Define locations in relation to other parts (e.g., superior, inferior, anterior, posterior).
  • Regional terms: Name specific areas of the body.
  • Planes of section: Imagine slicing the body in specific ways (e.g., sagittal, transverse, coronal).
  • Body cavities: Internal spaces that house organs (e.g., thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity).

Body Cavities

• Dorsal Cavity: Housing the brain and spinal cord
  • Cranial cavity: Contains the brain.
  • Vertebral cavity: Contains the spinal cord.
• Ventral Cavity: Divided by the diaphragm.
  • Thoracic cavity: Heart and lungs.
    • Pleural cavities: Contain the lungs.
    • Mediastinum: The area between the lungs that contains the heart, esophagus, and trachea.
    • Pericardial cavity: Contains the heart.
  • Abdominopelvic cavity: Contains digestive organs and more.
    • Abdominal cavity: Contains stomach, intestines, liver, etc.
    • Pelvic cavity: Contains bladder, reproductive organs, rectum.

Organ Systems

• Integumentary System: Skin, hair, nails (protection).
• Skeletal System: Bones, cartilage (support, protection).
• Muscular System: Muscles (movement).
• Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, nerves (communication).
• Endocrine System: Glands (hormones).
• Cardiovascular System: Heart, blood vessels (circulation).
• Lymphatic System: Lymph nodes, vessels (immunity).
• Respiratory System: Lungs, airways (gas exchange).
• Digestive System: Stomach, intestines, accessory organs (digestion).
• Urinary System: Kidneys, bladder (waste elimination).
• Reproductive System: Organs involved in reproduction.

Anatomical Position

• A standardized position used as a reference for describing body structures.
  • Standing upright facing forward.
  • Arms at the sides, palms facing forward.
  • Feet flat, together.