Anatomy (from the
Greek anatomia, from
ana: separate, apart from, and temnein, to cut up, cut open) is a branch of
biology and
medicine that is the consideration of the
structure of living things. It is a general term that includes
human anatomy, animal anatomy (zootomy) and
plant anatomy (phytotomy). In some of its facets anatomy is closely related to
embryology,
comparative anatomy and
comparative embryology,
through common roots in
evolution.
Anatomy is subdivided into gross anatomy (or macroscopic anatomy) and microscopic anatomy.
Gross anatomy (also called topographical anatomy, regional anatomy, or anthropotomy) is the study of anatomical structures that can be seen by unaided vision with the naked eye.
Microscopic anatomy is the study of minute anatomical structures assisted with
microscopes, which includes
histology (the study of the organization of tissues),
and
cytology (the study of cells).
The
history of anatomy has been characterized, over time, by a continually developing understanding of the functions of
organs and structures in the body. Methods have also improved dramatically, advancing from examination of
animals through dissection of
cadavers (dead human bodies) to technologically complex techniques developed in the 20th century including X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI imaging.
Anatomy should not be confused with
anatomical pathology (also called morbid anatomy or
histopathology), which is the study of the gross and microscopic appearances of
diseased
organs.
Superficial anatomy
Superficial anatomy or surface anatomy is important in anatomy being the study of anatomical landmarks that can be readily seen from the contours or the surface of the body.
With knowledge of superficial anatomy,
physicians or
veterinary surgeons gauge the position and anatomy of the associated deeper structures.
Human anatomy
Para-sagittal
MRI scan of the head
Human anatomy, including gross
human anatomy and histology, is primarily the scientific study of the
morphology of the adult
human body.
Generally, students of certain
biological sciences,
paramedics,
physiotherapists,
occupational therapy,
nurses, and
medical students learn gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy from anatomical models, skeletons, textbooks, diagrams, photographs, lectures and tutorials. The study of microscopic anatomy (or
histology) can be aided by practical experience examining histological preparations (or slides) under a
microscope; and in addition, medical students generally also learn gross anatomy with practical experience of
dissection and inspection of cadavers (dead human bodies).
Human anatomy,
physiology and
biochemistry are complementary 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;
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, in line with modern teaching methods. A thorough working knowledge of anatomy is required by all
medical doctors, especially
surgeons, and doctors working in some diagnostic specialities, such as
histopathology and
radiology.
Academic human anatomists are usually employed by universities, medical schools or teaching hospitals. They are often involved in teaching anatomy, and research into certain systems, organs, tissues or cells.
Other branches
- Comparative anatomy relates to the comparison of anatomical structures (both gross and microscopic) in different animals.
- Anthropological anatomy or physical anthropology relates to the comparison of the anatomy of different races of humans.
- Artistic anatomy relates to anatomic studies for artistic reasons.
See also
General anatomy:
Human anatomy:
