Overview of Human Anatomy

Overview of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology that studies 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 and tissue level, often using a microscope.

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: Support, movement, protection of organs, mineral storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Movement, maintenance of posture, heat production.
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: Transport of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Includes lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
- Functions: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Comprises the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (liver, pancreas).
- Functions: Breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste.
Nervous System
- Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: Coordination of body activities, processing sensory information, response to stimuli.
Endocrine System
- Includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal.
- Functions: Hormone production, regulation of metabolism, growth, and development.
Urinary System
- Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: Excretion of waste, regulation of blood volume and pressure, electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Male organs: testes, prostate, penis.
- Female organs: ovaries, uterus, vagina.
- Functions: Production of gametes, hormone secretion, reproduction.
Integumentary System
- Consists of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation.

Anatomical Terminology

Superior: Above or higher in position.
Inferior: Below or lower in position.
Anterior (Ventral): Front of the body.
Posterior (Dorsal): Back of the body.
Medial: Closer to the midline of the body.
Lateral: Further from the midline.
Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment or origin.
Distal: Further from the point of attachment or origin.

Basic Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue
- Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.
- Functions: Protection, absorption, secretion, sensation.
Connective Tissue
- Supports, binds, and protects other tissues.
- Types: Bone, adipose, blood, cartilage.
Muscle Tissue
- Responsible for movement.
- Types: Skeletal (voluntary), smooth (involuntary), cardiac (heart).
Nervous Tissue
- Composed of neurons and glial cells.
- Functions: Transmission of impulses and support for nerve cells.

Body Cavities

Cranial Cavity: Houses the brain.
Thoracic Cavity: Contains heart and lungs.
Abdominal Cavity: Contains digestive organs.
Pelvic Cavity: Contains reproductive organs and urinary bladder.

Anatomical Position

Standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides with palms facing forward. This position serves as a standard reference for anatomical terminology.

Anatomy Overview

Anatomy investigates the structure of organisms and their parts.
Anatomy can be categorized into Gross Anatomy (visible structures) and Microscopic Anatomy (cellular and tissue structures observed under a microscope).

Major Systems of the Human Body

Skeletal System: Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments, providing support, enabling movement, protecting organs, storing minerals, and producing blood cells.
Muscular System: Consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles, responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat.
Circulatory System: Includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System: Composed of lungs, trachea, and bronchi, facilitating gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System: Includes the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (liver, pancreas), breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.
Nervous System: Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, coordinating body activities, processing sensory information, and responding to stimuli.
Endocrine System: Includes glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal, producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
Urinary System: Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, excreting waste, regulating blood volume and pressure, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System: Male organs include testes, prostate, and penis, while female organs include ovaries, uterus, and vagina; responsible for gamete production, hormone secretion, and reproduction.
Integumentary System: Consists of skin, hair, nails, and glands, providing protection, regulating temperature, and enabling sensation.

Anatomical Terminology

Superior: Above or higher in position.
Inferior: Below or lower in position.
Anterior (Ventral): Front of the body.
Posterior (Dorsal): Back of the body.
Medial: Closer to the midline of the body.
Lateral: Further from the midline.
Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment or origin.
Distal: Further from the point of attachment or origin.

Basic Tissue Types

Epithelial Tissue: Covering body surfaces and lining cavities, playing roles in protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.
Connective Tissue: Supporting, binding, and protecting other tissues; examples include bone, adipose, blood, and cartilage.
Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement, categorized into skeletal (voluntary), smooth (involuntary), and cardiac (heart) muscle.
Nervous Tissue: Composed of neurons and glial cells, responsible for transmitting impulses and supporting nerve cells.