Introduction to Anatomy PDF

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Dr Albright Enoh General Practitioner  What is Human Anatomy? Human anatomy, including histology and gross anatomy, is the study of the structures of the human body. The discipline of human anatomy involves...

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Dr Albright Enoh General Practitioner  What is Human Anatomy? Human anatomy, including histology and gross anatomy, is the study of the structures of the human body. The discipline of human anatomy involves the identification and description of the structures within the human body.  Due to the fact that most anatomical names come from Latin and Greek, these words have meaning in their original language, and it is very helpful and interesting to know the ‘root’ meaning of these words, which is called etymology, as it helps in the learning process. Therefore, becoming familiar with the etymology of the anatomical term s is an important component of studying human anatomy.  In general, anatomy can be divided into Gross Anatomy and Microscopic Anatomy. Gross Anatomy Gross anatomy (macroscopic anatomy) : The study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye, such as most bones and muscles. Microscopic Anatomy Microscopic anatomy, also known as histology (histo = tissue; ology = study), is the study of tissues that are too small to been seen with the naked eye, and therefore require the use of various microscopes.  General Information As mentioned, in anatomy, there is an emphasis on word roots and meanings. For example, the prefix hypo means below or under and the term chondro is associated with cartilage (and a part of ribs are made of cartilage). Thus, the term hypochondral refers to an anatomical region of the body under the ribs.  In the past it was common to name structures after the “discoverer's” name, these are called “eponyms” Achilles tendon = calcaneal tendon of the heel. Bowman's capsule = glomerular capsule of the nephron in the kidney. Cowper's gland = bulbourethral gland of the male reproductive system. Fallopian tubes = uterine tubes of the female reproductive system. Graafian follicle = mature follicle of the female gamete or the egg cell. Kupffer cell = macrophages of the liver.  I. Levels of Organization – This describes examining things from the fundamental building blocks and ascending to more complex and larger structures A. Atoms B. Molecules C. Organelles D. Cells E. Tissues F. Organs G. Organ systems H. Organism  II. Anatomic Systems A. Tissues – four primary tissues: Epithelium; Connective; Muscular; Nervous. B. Integumentary - skin, hair, nails and glands. C. Skeletal - bones, cartilage, articulations. D. Muscular - skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles. E. Nervous - nerves, glial cells, central nervous system (NS), peripheral NS and autonomic NS. Special Senses - eyes, ears, touch, olfaction, equilibrium and taste. F. Endocrine – primary and secondary endocrine glands. G. Cardiovascular - heart, arteries, capillaries, veins. Lymphatic - lymph ducts, nodes, organs, tissues. H. Respiratory - lungs, bronchial tree. I. Digestive - mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas. J. Urinary - kidney, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra. K. Reproductive: 1) Ovary, uterine tube, uterus, vagina. 2) Testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, glands, urethra, penis.  III. Regions of the Body A. The four quadrants division 1. Right upper quadrant 2. Left upper quadrant 3. Right lower quadrant 4. Left lower quadrant B. The descriptive abdominopelvic regions 1. Right and Left hypochondriac 2. Right and left lumbar 3. Right and left iliac (inguinal) 4. Epigastric 5. Umbilical 6. Hypogastric  IV. Planes of the Body A. Frontal (coronal) plane: Divides body into front and back portions. B. Transverse (cross, horizontal) plane: Divides body into superior and inferior portions. C. Sagittal (mid and parasagittal) plane: Divides body into left and right portions. Mid-sagittal means equal left and right portions whereas para- sagittal means unequal left and right portions. Most regions of the body are described with anatomical landmarks which are different from common terminology. Examples: V. Anatomical Directions A. Superior / Inferior B. Posterior / Anterior C. Dorsal / Ventral D. Deep / Superficial E. Distal / Proximal F. Lateral / Medial