Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology that studies the structure of organisms.
It can be divided into two main categories:
- Gross Anatomy: study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: study of structures at the cellular and tissue levels.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: support, movement, protection, blood cell production, mineral storage.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture maintenance, heat production.
Nervous System
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: controls body functions, processes sensory information, coordinates responses.
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: transports nutrients, gases, hormones; removes waste.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions: gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (liver, pancreas).
- Functions: breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Consists of glands that secrete hormones (e.g., thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: regulates metabolism, growth, and sexual function.
Urinary System
- Composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: removes waste from the blood, regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Male: testes, penis, associated glands.
- Female: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.
- Functions: produces gametes, facilitates reproduction.
Integumentary System
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: protection, temperature regulation, sensation.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: standard reference position for the body; standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior/Inferior: above/below.
- Anterior/Posterior: front/back.
- Medial/Lateral: toward the midline/away from the midline.
- Proximal/Distal: closer to/further from the point of attachment.

Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavity: houses the brain and spinal cord.
Ventral Cavity: divided into thoracic (heart and lungs) and abdominopelvic (digestive organs, reproductive organs).

Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue
- Covers body surfaces, lines cavities, forms glands.
- Functions: protection, absorption, secretion.
Connective Tissue
- Supports, binds, and protects other tissues.
- Types: bone, adipose, blood, cartilage.
Muscle Tissue
- Specialized for contraction.
- Types: skeletal (voluntary), smooth (involuntary), cardiac (heart).
Nervous Tissue
- Composed of neurons and supporting cells (glia).
- Functions: signal transmission, response coordination.

Importance of Anatomy

Understanding anatomy is crucial for fields like medicine, physiotherapy, and biology.
Provides the foundation for understanding how body systems interact and function.

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy studies organism structure, crucial for biology.
Divided into Gross Anatomy (visible structures) and Microscopic Anatomy (cellular and tissue structures).

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System
- Comprised of bones, cartilage, ligaments; supports, protects organs, and facilitates movement.
- Involved in blood cell production and mineral storage.
Muscular System
- Contains skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles; responsible for body movement and maintaining posture.
- Generates heat through muscle contraction.
Nervous System
- Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; controls body functions and processes sensory input.
- Coordinates responses to stimuli.
Circulatory System
- Made up of the heart, blood vessels, and blood; transports nutrients, hormones, and gases.
- Critical for waste removal from the body.
Respiratory System
- Includes lungs, trachea, and diaphragm; facilitates gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Digestive System
- Comprises the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (liver, pancreas); breaks down food for nutrient absorption.
- Responsible for waste elimination from the body.
Endocrine System
- Features hormone-secreting glands like the thyroid and adrenal glands; regulates metabolism and growth.
- Plays a vital role in sexual function.
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; eliminates waste from blood and manages fluid balance.
Reproductive System
- Male organs include testes and penis; female organs comprise ovaries and uterus.
- Functions to produce gametes and support reproductive processes.
Integumentary System
- Includes skin, hair, nails, and glands; provides protection and regulates body temperature.
- Sensory functions are facilitated through this system.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position
- Standardized body reference; standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.
Directional Terms
- Superior/Inferior: indicates vertical positioning (above/below).
- Anterior/Posterior: denotes front/back orientation.
- Medial/Lateral: refers to proximity to the midline (toward/away).
- Proximal/Distal: relates to the distance from point of attachment (closer/further).

Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavity
- Encloses the brain and spinal cord.
Ventral Cavity
- Divided into:
  - Thoracic (holds heart and lungs).
  - Abdominopelvic (contains digestive and reproductive organs).

Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue
- Covers body surfaces and forms glands; engages in protection, absorption, and secretion.
Connective Tissue
- Binds and supports other tissues; includes types like bone, adipose, blood, and cartilage.
Muscle Tissue
- Specialized for contraction; includes voluntary (skeletal), involuntary (smooth), and cardiac muscle types.
Nervous Tissue
- Composed of neurons and supporting glial cells; crucial for signal transmission and coordination of responses.

Importance of Anatomy

Essential for careers in medicine, physiotherapy, and biology.
Provides foundational knowledge for understanding interrelated body systems and their functions.