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Introduction to Human Anatomy

Jul 11, 2024

Introduction to Human Anatomy - Lecture Notes

Lecturer: Dr. Vedau Labu

Introduction

  • Series on Human Anatomy
  • This lecture: Introduction to Human Anatomy
  • Two parts: Definitions & Scope (Part 1), Anatomical Terminologies (Part 2)
  • Learning Outcomes: Definitions of key terms, scope, body regions, hierarchical body organization, organ systems

Key Definitions

  • Anatomy: Study of body structure; particularly the human body
  • Physiology: Study of functional processes within living organisms; physical, chemical, and biological processes
  • Pathology: Study of structural and functional alterations leading to disease

Three Divisions of Human Anatomy

  1. Gross Anatomy (macroscopic anatomy)
  2. Microscopic Anatomy
  3. Developmental Anatomy

Gross Anatomy

  • Study of body parts visible to the naked eye
  • Main Approaches:
    • Topographic (region-based): Head, neck, thorax, abdomen, limbs, etc.
    • Systemic (system-based): Skeletal, muscular, nervous, etc.
    • Hybrid: Incorporates both topographic and systemic elements

Major Body Regions (Topographic Approach)

  • Head and Neck: Includes skull, face, and cervical region
  • Trunk (Torso): Thorax, abdomen, pelvis, back
    • Thorax: Rib cage area
    • Abdomen: Below rib cage
    • Pelvis: Contains reproductive organs
    • Back: Posterior side of the trunk
  • Upper Limb: Pectoral region, shoulder, arm (brachium), forearm (antebrachium), hand
    • Key joints: Shoulder, elbow, wrist
    • Hand: Palm, dorsum
  • Lower Limb: Gluteal region, thigh, leg, foot
    • Key joints: Hip, knee, ankle
    • Foot: Sole (plantar), dorsum

Hierarchical Organization of the Body

  • From simple to complex: Atoms → Molecules → Macromolecules (Proteins, Carbs, Lipids, Nucleic Acids) → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism

Key Organ Systems

  1. Skeletal System: Bones; movement, protection, support, mineral storage
  2. Articular System: Joints; allow movement
  3. Muscular System: Muscles; movement, thermoregulation
  4. Nervous System: Coordination, integration, homeostasis
  5. Endocrine System: Glands/hormones; regulation
  6. Cardiovascular System: Heart, blood vessels; transport blood
  7. Hematologic System: Blood; transport, immunity, homeostasis
  8. Lymphatic System: Lymph nodes, vessels; defense, fat absorption
  9. Digestive System: Digestion, absorption, excretion, hormone production
  10. Respiratory System: Gas exchange, sound production, sensory functions
  11. Urinary System: Excretion, osmoregulation, acid-base balance
  12. Reproductive Systems:
    • Male/Female: Gametogenesis, transport, hormone production, prenatal development
  13. Integumentary System: Skin, protection, thermoregulation, sensory functions

Microscopic Anatomy

  • Study of minute structures not visible to the naked eye
  • Two main areas:
    • Cytology: Study of cells
    • Histology: Study of tissues
  • Scope of Cytology: Cell structure, cell adaptations, cellular genetics, cell cycle and division
  • Scope of Histology:
    • Basic Histology: Organization of four basic tissues (epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous)
    • Systemic Histology: Microscopic organization of organs in each system

Developmental Anatomy (Embryology)

  • Study of prenatal developmental processes
  • Key phases: Gametogenesis → Fertilization → Prenatal development (Embryonic & Fetal periods)
  • Pre-embryonic Period (first 2 weeks after conception): Early development, implantation
  • Embryonic Period (3rd to 8th week): Organogenesis, most sensitive period
  • Fetal Period (9th week to birth): Maturation of organs, ossification
  • Explains congenital malformations and birth defects
  • General Embryology: Overview of development processes
  • Systemic Embryology: Detailed formation of organ systems

Conclusion

  • Summary of definitions and scope of human anatomy
  • Next lecture: Anatomical terminologies

Full transcript