Introduction:
Anatomy is the branch of science that deals with the structure of the human body. The word “anatomy” comes from the Greek word anatome, meaning “cutting up.” Dissection, on the other hand, is a Latin term referring to the process of cutting open the body for study. Although related, dissection is only a technique, while anatomy is a broad field of study that helps us understand the human body as a whole.
Anatomy forms the basic foundation of medical science. It introduces students to medical terms and helps them understand how the body is built. In simple words, anatomy is to physiology what geography is to history — anatomy describes the stage, and physiology explains the action that happens on it.
Scope and Subdivisions of Anatomy
Over time, the study of anatomy has expanded far beyond dissection. Modern anatomy now uses many tools and technologies to explore the human body. Below are its main branches:
1. Cadaveric Anatomy
This is the study of preserved human bodies (cadavers) with the naked eye. It includes:
- Regional anatomy – studying the body part by part (e.g., head, neck, limbs, thorax, abdomen).
- Systemic anatomy – studying the body system by system (e.g., skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine systems).
2. Living Anatomy
This focuses on studying living humans using methods such as inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, radiography, endoscopy, and electromyography.
3. Embryology
Also known as developmental anatomy, embryology studies how a human develops before birth. The developmental history of an individual is called ontogeny, and the evolutionary history is called phylogeny.
4. Histology
This is microscopic anatomy — the study of tissues and cells using a microscope.
5. Surface Anatomy
It deals with the relationship between deeper body structures and the skin surface, helping doctors locate organs or perform procedures safely.
6. Radiographic and Imaging Anatomy
This branch uses X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound to study internal organs and structures without dissection.
7. Comparative Anatomy
It compares human anatomy with that of animals to understand how structures evolved over time.
8. Physical Anthropology
This field studies the physical characteristics, measurements, and differences among human races and ancient remains.
9. Applied (Clinical) Anatomy
It connects anatomical knowledge with clinical practice — explaining how the structure of the body relates to medical and surgical treatment.
10. Experimental Anatomy
This branch studies the factors that influence the structure and function of body parts.
11. Genetics
Genetics explains how traits are inherited through information stored in the chromosomes.
Basic Anatomical Terminologies
To describe the body correctly, certain standard positions, planes, and directional terms are used.
Anatomical Positions
- Anatomical Position: Standing upright, eyes forward, arms by the side, palms facing forward, and feet together.
- Supine Position: Lying flat on the back, palms facing upward.
- Prone Position: Lying face down on the chest and abdomen.
- Lithotomy Position: Lying on the back with legs raised, often used in childbirth.
Body Planes
- Median (Midsagittal) Plane: Divides the body into equal right and left halves.
- Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) parts.
- Transverse Plane: Divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts.
Directional Terms
- Anterior (Ventral): Front of the body.
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back of the body.
- Medial: Closer to the midline.
- Lateral: Away from the midline.
- Proximal: Near the trunk or point of origin.
- Distal: Away from the trunk or point of origin.
- Superficial: Near the body surface.
- Deep: Farther from the surface.
- Ipsilateral: On the same side.
- Contralateral: On the opposite side.
Movements of the Body
At joints, various movements occur:
- Gliding: Flat surfaces slide past each other.
- Angular Movements: Includes flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
- Rotation: Bone turns around its own axis (e.g., turning the head).
- Special Movements: Such as pronation, supination, protraction, and retraction.
Common Regional Terms
These help describe specific parts of the body:
- Abdominal: Region between the chest and pelvis.
- Brachial: Upper arm.
- Cervical: Neck region.
- Femoral: Thigh region.
- Orbital: Eye region.
- Otic: Ear region.
- Gluteal: Buttock area.
- Axillary: Armpit.
Summary
Understanding the scope of anatomy and physiology helps Pharm.D students connect body structure with its function. These concepts form the backbone of medical science and help in clinical practice, diagnosis, and treatment.
Detailed Notes
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