What is Anatomy?

• Anatomy is the study of the physical structures of organisms. 

Types of Anatomy: 

• There are many types of anatomy which include:

  • • Microscopic Anatomy: can't be seen by the unaided eye

      • • Cytology: cells and internal structures

        • Histology: body tissues 

    • Gross Anatomy: visible to the unaided eye

      • • Systemic Anatomy: each functional body system

        • Regional Anatomy: all structures in one region of the body 

        • Surface Anatomy: superficial markings and internal structure covered by skin

        • Comparative Anatomy: similarities and differences of anatomy in different species 

        • Embryology: developmental changes from conception to birth

    • Pathologic Anatomy: changes resulting from a disease 

    • Radiographic Anatomy: relationships among internal structures seen by scanning procedures

What are the Organ Systems?

• There are 11 organ systems in the human body:

  • Integumentary System: protects you from the outside

  • Skeletal System: Structure

  • Muscular System: Movement

  • Nervous System: sends electrical messages

  • Endocrine System: releases hormones and chemical messages 

  • Cardiovascular System: pumps and distributes blood

  • Lymphatic System: balances body fluids

  • Respiratory System: exchanges gas

  • Urinary System: filters blood and excretes waste

  • Digestive System: breaks down food

  • Male & Female Reproductive System: produces offspring

Anatomy Vocabulary:

• • Anatomic Position: a person is standing upright, feet parallel to the floor, palms forward, & upper limbs at the side of their body

    • • Check out this interesting article about how scientists are still studying the location of the humeral head in the rotator cuff, when in an Anatomical position. Each person's humeral head can actually be placed a little bit differently when in an anatomical position. (Shah NN, & Diamantopoulos P. (2004). Position of the humeral head and rotator cuff tear An anatomical observation in cadavers. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica, 75(6), 746–749.)

  • Anterior: in front of, toward the front surface

  • Posterior: in back of, towards the back surface

  • Dorsal: toward the backside of the human body

  • Ventral: toward the belly side of the human body

  • Superior: closer to the head

  • Inferior: closer to the feet

  • Cranial: toward the head end

  • Caudal: toward the rear or tail end

  • Rostral: toward the nose and mouth end

  • Medial: toward the midline of the body

  • Lateral: away from the midline of the body

  • Ipsilateral: on the same side

  • Contralateral: on the opposite side

  • Deep: closer to the inside, internal to another structure

  • Superficial: closer to the surface, external to another structure

  • Proximal: closer to point of attachment to trunk 

  • Distal: farther from point of attachment to trunk