Overview of Anatomy

Study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Divided into various branches: gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, developmental anatomy, and comparative anatomy.

Gross Anatomy
- Structures visible to the naked eye.
- Includes surface anatomy (external features), regional anatomy (specific areas), and systemic anatomy (organ systems).
Microscopic Anatomy
- Structures that require a microscope to be seen.
- Includes histology (study of tissues) and cytology (study of cells).
Developmental Anatomy
- Changes in body structure from conception to adulthood.
- Embryology is a key subfield focusing on early development.
Comparative Anatomy
- Study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species.
- Useful for understanding evolutionary relationships.

Directional Terms:
- Superior: above
- Inferior: below
- Anterior (ventral): front
- Posterior (dorsal): back
- Medial: towards the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the trunk
- Distal: further from the trunk
Planes of the Body:
- Sagittal Plane: divides the body into left and right.
- Coronal (frontal) Plane: divides the body into anterior and posterior.
- Transverse (cross-sectional) Plane: divides the body into superior and inferior.

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones and cartilage.
- Functions: support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Composed of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture maintenance, and heat production.
Nervous System
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: control of body activities, processing sensory information, and coordination of responses.
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart and blood vessels.
- Functions: transportation of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Composed of the lungs and airways.
- Functions: gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Functions: breakdown and absorption of food, waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Composed of glands that secrete hormones.
- Functions: regulation of metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Reproductive System
- Composed of organs involved in producing offspring.
- Functions: reproduction and hormone production.
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys and urinary tract.
- Functions: waste elimination and regulation of body fluid balance.

Anatomy is essential for understanding the body's structure, function, and the relationships between different systems.
Knowledge of anatomy is crucial for healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators.

Anatomy focuses on the structure and organization of living organisms.
Major branches include gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, developmental anatomy, and comparative anatomy.

Gross Anatomy
- Examines structures visible without a microscope.
- Subdivided into surface anatomy (external features), regional anatomy (specific regions), and systemic anatomy (organ systems).
Microscopic Anatomy
- Involves structures requiring magnification for observation.
- Comprises histology (tissues) and cytology (cells).
Developmental Anatomy
- Studies structural changes from conception to adulthood.
- Embryology focuses specifically on early developmental stages.
Comparative Anatomy
- Analyzes anatomical similarities and differences across species.
- Provides insights into evolutionary relationships.

Directional Terms:
- Superior: above
- Inferior: below
- Anterior (ventral): front
- Posterior (dorsal): back
- Medial: towards the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the trunk
- Distal: further from the trunk
Planes of the Body:
- Sagittal Plane: divides body into left and right halves.
- Coronal (frontal) Plane: divides body into anterior and posterior sections.
- Transverse (cross-sectional) Plane: divides body into superior and inferior parts.

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones and cartilage; provides support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Made up of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles; responsible for movement, posture maintenance, and heat generation.
Nervous System
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; coordinates body activities, processes sensory information, and executes responses.
Circulatory System
- Comprises the heart and blood vessels; transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Contains the lungs and airways; functions primarily in gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Digestive System
- Encompasses the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs; responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Consists of hormone-secreting glands; regulates metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Reproductive System
- Involves organs for offspring production; essential for reproduction and hormone synthesis.
Urinary System
- Comprised of kidneys and the urinary tract; functions in waste removal and fluid balance regulation.

Normal anatomical variations exist, such as differences in bone count and organ positioning.
Understanding variations is crucial for clinical diagnosis and surgical procedures.

A solid foundation in anatomy is vital for comprehending body structure, function, and inter-system relationships.
Expertise in anatomy is essential for healthcare providers, researchers, and educators.