Overview of Human Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts.
It can be divided into:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular or tissue level (includes histology and cytology).

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilages, and ligaments.
- Major functions: support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture, heat production.
Nervous System
- Comprised of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: coordinates body activities, processes sensory information, responds to stimuli.
Cardiovascular System
- Composed of the heart and blood vessels.
- Functions: transports nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Includes organs such as the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions: gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Functions: breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates waste.
Urinary System
- Includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: removes waste from blood, regulates fluid balance and electrolytes.
Reproductive System
- Male: includes testes, prostate, and penis.
- Female: includes ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
- Functions: produces gametes, facilitates reproduction.
Endocrine System
- Composed of glands that secrete hormones.
- Functions: regulates various body functions including metabolism, growth, and mood.
Integumentary System
- Includes skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: protects the body, regulates temperature, sensory reception.

Anatomical Position: Standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: above
- Inferior: below
- Anterior (ventral): front
- Posterior (dorsal): back
- Medial: toward the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the point of attachment
- Distal: further from the point of attachment

Dorsal Cavity: Includes the cranial and spinal cavities.
Ventral Cavity: Divided into thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
- Thoracic: contains heart and lungs.
- Abdominopelvic: contains digestive organs, reproductive organs, and excretory organs.

Cells: Basic unit of life.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells that perform a specific function (4 types: epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous).
Organs: Structures made up of different types of tissues working together.
Organ Systems: Groups of organs that perform related functions.

Study of the structure of organisms and their parts.
Divided into gross anatomy (visible structures) and microscopic anatomy (cellular and tissue level).

Skeletal System:
- Composed of bones, cartilages, and ligaments.
- Functions: support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System:
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture, heat production.
Nervous System:
- Comprised of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: coordinates body activities, processes sensory information, responds to stimuli.
Cardiovascular System:
- Composed of the heart and blood vessels.
- Functions: transports nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System:
- Includes organs such as the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions: gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System:
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Functions: breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates waste.
Urinary System:
- Includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: removes waste from blood, regulates fluid balance and electrolytes.
Reproductive System:
- Male: includes testes, prostate, and penis.
- Female: includes ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
- Functions: produces gametes, facilitates reproduction.
Endocrine System:
- Composed of glands that secrete hormones.
- Functions: regulates various body functions including metabolism, growth, and mood.
Integumentary System:
- Includes skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: protects the body, regulates temperature, sensory reception.

Anatomical Position: Upright stance, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: above
- Inferior: below
- Anterior (ventral): front
- Posterior (dorsal): back
- Medial: toward the midline
- Lateral: away from the midline
- Proximal: closer to the point of attachment
- Distal: further from the point of attachment

Dorsal Cavity: Includes the cranial and spinal cavities.
Ventral Cavity: Divided into thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
- Thoracic: contains heart and lungs.
- Abdominopelvic: contains digestive organs, reproductive organs, and excretory organs.

Cells: Basic unit of life.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells that perform a specific function (4 types: epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous).
Organs: Structures made up of different types of tissues working together.
Organ Systems: Groups of organs that perform related functions.