Human anatomy (gr. ἀνατομία, "dissection", from ἀνά, "up", and τέμνειν, "cut") is primarily the scientific study of themorphology of thehuman body.[1]Anatomy is subdivided intogross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.[1] Gross anatomy (also called macroscopic anatomy, topographical anatomy, regional anatomy, or anthropotomy) is the study of anatomical structures that can be seen by the naked eye.[1] Microscopic anatomy is the study of minute anatomical structures assisted withmicroscopes, which includeshistology (the study of the organization of tissues),[1] andcytology (the study of cells).Anatomy,human physiology (the study of function), andbiochemistry (the study of the chemistry of living structures) are complementary basic medical sciences that are generally together (or in tandem) to students studyingmedical sciences.
In some of its facets human anatomy is closely related toembryology,comparative anatomy andcomparative embryology,[1] through common roots inevolution; for example, much of the human body maintains the ancient segmental pattern that is present in allvertebrates with basic units being repeated, which is particularly obvious in the vertebral column and in the ribcage, and can be traced from very early embryos.
Thehistory of anatomy has been characterized, over a long period of time, by a continually developing understanding of the functions oforgans and structures of the body. Methods have also advanced dramatically, advancing from examination ofanimals through dissection of fresh and preservedcadavers (corpses) to technologically complex techniques developed in the 20th century.
Generally,physicians,dentists,physiotherapists,nurses,paramedics,radiographers, and students of certainbiological sciences, learn gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy from anatomical models, skeletons, textbooks, diagrams, photographs, lectures, and tutorials. The study of microscopic anatomy (orhistology) can be aided by practical experience examining histological preparations (or slides) under amicroscope; and in addition, medical and dental students generally also learn anatomy with practical experience ofdissection and inspection ofcadavers (dead human bodies). A thorough working knowledge of anatomy is required for allmedical doctors, especiallysurgeons, and doctors working in some diagnostic specialities, such ashistopathology andradiology.
Human anatomy,physiology, andbiochemistry are basic medical sciences, which are generally taught to medical students in their first year at medical school. Human anatomy can be taught regionally or systemically;[1] that is, respectively, studying anatomy by bodily regions such as the head and chest, or studying by specific systems, such as the nervous or respiratory systems. The major anatomy textbook,Gray's Anatomy, has recently been reorganized from a systems format to a regional format, which is in line with the modern teaching.[2][3]
Gross anatomy has become a key part of visual arts. Basic concepts of how muscles and bones function and deform with movement is key to drawing, painting or animating a human figure. Many books such asHuman Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form, are written as a guide to drawing the human body anatomically correctly.[4]Leonardo da Vinci sought to improve his art through a better understanding of human anatomy. In the process he advanced both human anatomy and its representation in art.
Because the structure of a living organism is complex, anatomy is organized by levels, from the smallest components of cells to the largest organs and their relationship to other organs.
Lymphatic system: structures involved in the transfer of lymph between tissues and the blood stream, thelymph and thenodes andvessels that transport it
Superficial anatomy offemale andmale human bodySurface projections of the major organs of thetrunk, using thevertebral column andrib cage as main reference points of superficial anatomy
Surface anatomy, or superficial anatomy, is the study ofanatomical landmarks that can be identified readily from the contours or other reference points on the surface of the body.[1] It is important in human anatomy: with knowledge of superficial anatomy,physicians gauge the position and anatomy of deeper structures.
Common names of parts of the human body, from top to bottom:
