Lecture on Anatomy

Introduction to Anatomy

• Scientific study of body structure
• Structure also known as morphology (derived from Greek 'morphos' meaning shape/structure)

Medical Terminology

• Anatomic and medical terminology rely heavily on Greek and Latin roots
• Example:
  • 'Anatomy' consists of 'an' (up) and 'tome' (to cut)
  • Other terms using 'tome':
    • Tonsilectomy: Cutting out tonsils
    • Appendectomy: Cutting out appendix

CAT/CT Scans

• CAT stands for Computerized Axial Tomography
• Uses computer to create images of body sections as if cut
• Sometimes abbreviated as CT (Computerized Tomography)

Developmental Anatomy

• Study includes both adult and developing structures (embryo/fetus)
• Fascination with growth from a single cell to a complete organism

History of Modern Anatomy

• Andreas Vesalius, the father of modern human anatomy
  • 16th-century Belgian physician
  • Created detailed anatomical drawings compiled in 'De Humani Corporis Fabrica'
  • Controversially acquired bodies for dissection

Anatomical Terminology

• Nomenclature:
  • International Congress of Anatomists standardizes anatomical names (e.g., femur for thigh bone)
• Anatomy vs. Physiology:
  • Anatomy: Structure of body parts
  • Physiology: Function of body parts

Types of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy: Study of the macroscopic structures
• Surface Anatomy: Learning anatomical landmarks visible on the surface
  • Examples: Sternal angle, spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra
• Regional Anatomy: Studying anatomy by regions (e.g., head and neck anatomy for dental professionals)
• Radiological Anatomy: Using imaging techniques to see inside the body
  • X-rays: See bones and teeth
  • Angiograms: Visualize blood vessels using dye
  • CT Scans: 360° X-rays, detailed body section images
  • MRI: Magnetic fields to visualize body parts, especially brain and spinal cord
  • Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves, safe for fetal imaging

Developmental and Comparative Anatomy

• Embryology: Study of development before birth
• Teratology: Study of birth defects
• Comparative Anatomy: Comparing anatomy of different species (e.g., humans vs. cats in dissection)

Pathological Anatomy

• Study of abnormal anatomies caused by disease, injury, or deformities
• Pathologists are experts in diagnosing these conditions

Anatomic Relations and Positions

• Anatomic Position: Upright, head forward, palms forward
• Relative Positions: Terms to describe locations
  • Superior (cranial) vs. Inferior (caudal)
  • Anterior (ventral) vs. Posterior (dorsal)
  • Example: Heart is superior to the liver, trachea is anterior to the esophagus

Organ Systems

• Study of body by organ systems (systemic anatomy)
  • Skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, etc.
• Organs are made of tissues (histology)
  • Types of tissues: Epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve
• Organs are made of cells (cytology)

Developmental Biology

• From single-cell zygote to adult
• Prenatal development: Embryology
• Postnatal development: Growth after birth

Summary

• Focus on understanding both structure and function
• Importance of mastering medical terminology for clarity and communication in healthcare fields