Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the structure of organisms and their parts.
It can be divided into:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular and tissue levels.

Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules.
Cellular Level: Basic unit of life; cells.
Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells performing a specific function.
Organ Level: Structures composed of two or more tissue types; e.g., heart, liver.
Organ System Level: Groups of organs working together; e.g., digestive system.
Organism Level: The entire living being.

Skeletal System: Framework of bones and cartilage; supports and protects organs.
Muscular System: Composed of muscles; facilitates movement and maintains posture.
Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, and nerves; controls and coordinates body activities.
Circulatory System: Heart and blood vessels; transports nutrients, gases, and wastes.
Respiratory System: Lungs and airways; facilitates gas exchange.
Digestive System: Organs involved in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
Endocrine System: Glands that secrete hormones; regulates metabolism and growth.
Urinary System: Kidneys and bladder; removes waste and regulates body fluids.
Reproductive System: Organs involved in producing offspring.

Anatomical Position: Standard position with body standing upright, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above; closer to the head.
- Inferior: Below; closer to the feet.
- Anterior (Ventral): Front; towards the belly.
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back; towards the spine.
- Medial: Closer to the midline.
- Lateral: Further from the midline.
- Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment.
- Distal: Further from the point of attachment.
Body Planes:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right.
- Coronal Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior.
- Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior.

Cells: Basic building blocks of life; various types (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells).
Tissues: Four primary types:
- Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.
- Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues; includes bone, blood, fat.
- Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement; types include skeletal, cardiac, smooth.
- Nervous Tissue: Composed of neurons and supporting cells; transmits impulses.

Anatomy focuses on the structure of organisms and their parts.
Divided into:
- Gross Anatomy: Visible structures without magnification.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Examines cells and tissues at a microscopic level.

Chemical Level: Comprises atoms and molecules.
Cellular Level: Cells, the basic unit of life.
Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells with a shared function.
Organ Level: Structures made of two or more tissue types (e.g., heart, liver).
Organ System Level: Interrelated organs working together (e.g., digestive system).
Organism Level: The complete living individual.

Skeletal System: Framework made of bones and cartilage for support and protection.
Muscular System: Includes muscles that enable movement and maintain posture.
Nervous System: Composed of brain, spinal cord, and nerves; regulates and coordinates body functions.
Circulatory System: Heart and blood vessels that transport nutrients, gases, and waste.
Respiratory System: Lungs and airways that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
Digestive System: Organs that break down food and absorb nutrients.
Endocrine System: Hormone-secreting glands regulating metabolism and growth.
Urinary System: Kidneys and bladder, responsible for waste removal and fluid regulation.
Reproductive System: Organs involved in offspring production.

Anatomical Position: Standard stance with upright body, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above; closer to the head.
- Inferior: Below; closer to the feet.
- Anterior (Ventral): Front; towards the belly.
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back; towards the spine.
- Medial: Closer to the midline of the body.
- Lateral: Further from the midline.
- Proximal: Closer to a point of attachment.
- Distal: Further from a point of attachment.
Body Planes:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right portions.
- Coronal Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior sections.
- Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior parts.

Cells: Fundamental building blocks; types include muscle and nerve cells.
Tissues: Four main categories:
- Epithelial Tissue: Covers surfaces and lines cavities.
- Connective Tissue: Provides support and binding; includes bone, blood, fat.
- Muscle Tissue: Facilitates movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle types.
- Nervous Tissue: Composed of neurons; responsible for transmitting impulses.

Essential for understanding the body's physiology and function.
Critical knowledge for medical fields, surgical practices, and overall health professions.