BASIC ANATOMY

Definition and Subdivisions of Anatomy

Definition of Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of science that deals with the study of the structure of living organisms, including the organization and relationships of their parts.

Subdivisions of Anatomy

Anatomy is divided into several subdivisions, which are:

• Gross Anatomy: the study of the overall structure of the body and its organs
• Microscopic Anatomy: the study of the structure of tissues and cells
• Developmental Anatomy: the study of the development and growth of the body
• Comparative Anatomy: the study of the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species

Methods of Study in Each Subdivision of Anatomy

Gross Anatomy

Gross anatomy involves the study of the overall structure of the body and its organs. The methods of study in gross anatomy include:

• Dissection: the process of cutting and examining the internal structure of the body
• Observation: the process of observing the external and internal structures of the body
• Measurement: the process of measuring the size and proportions of the body

Microscopic Anatomy

Microscopic anatomy involves the study of the structure of tissues and cells. The methods of study in microscopic anatomy include:

• Histology: the study of the structure of tissues
• Cytology: the study of the structure of cells
• Electron Microscopy: the study of the ultrastructure of cells

Developmental Anatomy

Developmental anatomy involves the study of the development and growth of the body. The methods of study in developmental anatomy include:

• Embryology: the study of the development of the embryo
• Fetal Development: the study of the development of the fetus
• Genetic Analysis: the study of the genetic factors that influence development

Comparative Anatomy

Comparative anatomy involves the study of the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species. The methods of study in comparative anatomy include:

• Comparative Dissection: the process of dissecting and comparing the internal structure of different species
• Comparative Measurement: the process of measuring and comparing the size and proportions of different species

Dissection Process

Dissection involves cutting and examining the internal structure of the body. The dissection process can be represented as follows:

1 → Cut the skin and underlying tissues 2 → Expose the muscles and organs 3 → Remove the organs and examine their structure

Histological Structure

Histological structure refers to the study of the structure of tissues. The histological structure of a tissue can be represented as follows:

Functional Anatomy

• Study of the functions and activities of the body's systems and organs.
• Analysis of the mechanical and physiological principles underlying body movements and functions.
• Use of biomechanical models and simulations to understand the forces and movements involved in body functions.

Diagram: Skeletal System Development

Fertilized egg → Cleavage → Morula → Blastula → Gastrula → Ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm formation → Organogenesis → Skeletal system development → Bone formation

Diagram: Muscular System Organization Muscle cell → Muscle fiber → Muscle bundle → Muscle fascicle → Muscle group → Muscle system → Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle systems

Developmental Process

Developmental process involves the study of the development and growth of the body. The developmental process can be represented as follows:

Flowchart

The flowchart below illustrates the different methods of study in anatomy:

Gross Anatomy | |-- Dissection |-- Observation |-- Measurement | | |-- Microscopic Anatomy | | | |-- Histology | |-- Cytology | |-- Electron Microscopy | | |-- Developmental Anatomy | | | |-- Embryology | |-- Fetal Development | |-- Genetic Analysis | | |-- Comparative Anatomy | | | |-- Comparative Dissection | |-- Comparative Measurement

Body Systems Organization

• Nervous system
  • Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• Circulatory system
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Lymphatic system
• Respiratory system
  • Upper respiratory tract
  • Lower respiratory tract
• Digestive system
  • Upper digestive tract
  • Lower digestive tract
• Endocrine system
  • Hormone production and regulation
• Muscular system
  • Skeletal muscle
  • Smooth muscle
  • Cardiac muscle
• Integumentary system
  • Skin and its accessory structures
• Urinary system
  • Kidneys
  • Urinary tract