Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology that studies the structure of organisms.
It is subdivided into:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular and tissue levels.

Cells: Basic unit of life; various types (muscle, nerve, epithelial, etc.)
Tissues: Groups of similar cells working together; types include:
- Epithelial
- Connective
- Muscle
- Nervous
Organs: Structures composed of two or more tissue types working together (e.g., heart, lungs).
Organ Systems: Groups of organs that perform related functions (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive).
Organism: All systems functioning together.

Integumentary System: Skin, hair, nails; protects body and regulates temperature.
Skeletal System: Bones, joints; supports body, protects organs, enables movement.
Muscular System: Skeletal muscles; allows movement and maintains posture.
Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, nerves; controls body functions and responds to stimuli.
Endocrine System: Glands that release hormones; regulates metabolism and growth.
Cardiovascular System: Heart and blood vessels; transports blood, nutrients, and oxygen.
Lymphatic/Immune System: Lymph nodes, spleen; defends against infection.
Respiratory System: Lungs, trachea; facilitates breathing and gas exchange.
Digestive System: Organs that process food; absorbs nutrients and eliminates waste.
Urinary System: Kidneys, bladder; removes waste and regulates fluid balance.
Reproductive System: Organs involved in producing offspring; includes male and female systems.

Anatomical Position: Body standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior (above)
- Inferior (below)
- Anterior (front)
- Posterior (back)
- Medial (toward the midline)
- Lateral (away from the midline)
- Proximal (closer to the torso)
- Distal (farther from the torso)

Bones: Major bones include the skull, vertebrae, rib cage, pelvis, etc.
Muscles: Major muscle groups include biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, etc.
Organs: Key organs include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines.

Embryology: Study of development from fertilization to birth.
Growth and Maturation: Changes in structure and function throughout the life span.

Studies similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species, aiding in understanding evolutionary relationships.

Application of anatomical knowledge to clinical practices, such as surgery and diagnosis.

Essential for understanding physiology, medicine, and various biological sciences.
Foundation for fields like surgery, physical therapy, and other health-related professions.

Anatomy studies organism structures, divided into Gross Anatomy (visible structures) and Microscopic Anatomy (cellular and tissue level).

Cells: Basic unit of life with various types such as muscle, nerve, and epithelial.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells; types include epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.
Organs: Structures made of two or more types of tissues working in harmony, e.g., heart and lungs.
Organ Systems: Collections of organs performing related functions, such as circulatory and respiratory systems.
Organism: The complete functioning entity with all systems working together.

Integumentary System: Comprising skin, hair, and nails; functions to protect the body and regulate temperature.
Skeletal System: Includes bones and joints; supports the body, protects organs, and enables movement.
Muscular System: Made up of skeletal muscles; facilitates movement and maintains posture.
Nervous System: Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; crucial for controlling body functions and responding to stimuli.
Endocrine System: Glands responsible for hormone release; regulates metabolism and growth.
Cardiovascular System: Encompasses the heart and blood vessels; transports blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body.
Lymphatic/Immune System: Comprising lymph nodes and the spleen; defends the body against infections.
Respiratory System: Includes lungs and trachea; essential for breathing and gas exchange.
Digestive System: Organs responsible for food processing; absorbs nutrients and eliminates waste.
Urinary System: Composed of kidneys and the bladder; removes waste and regulates fluid balance.
Reproductive System: Organs involved in offspring production; consists of male and female systems.

Anatomical Position: Standard body position, upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: above
- Inferior: below
- Anterior: front
- Posterior: back
- Medial: toward midline
- Lateral: away from midline
- Proximal: closer to torso
- Distal: farther from torso

Bones: Key structures include the skull, vertebrae, rib cage, and pelvis.
Muscles: Major groups encompass biceps, triceps, quadriceps, and hamstrings.
Organs: Vital organs include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines.

Embryology: Focuses on development from fertilization to birth.
Growth and Maturation: Explores changes in structure and function throughout life.

Examines similarities and differences in anatomy across species, enhancing understanding of evolutionary relationships.

Applies anatomical knowledge to clinical practices, including surgery and diagnosis.

Critical for grasping physiology, medicine, and various biological sciences.
Provides a foundation for careers in surgery, physical therapy, and other health-related fields.