Anatomy Lecture Notes

Introduction to Anatomy

• Anatomy: Scientific study of body structure (Morphology).
• Origin of the term:
  • Two Greek roots: "ana" (up) and "tome" (to cut).
  • Initial studies involved dissection.
• Importance of medical terminology: Greek and Latin roots form the basis.

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Tome/ Tomy: Means "to cut." Used in words like tonsillectomy (cutting out tonsils), appendectomy (cutting out appendix).
• CT Scan: Computerized Axial Tomography.
  • Uses X-rays to create images as if cuts were made through the body.

Development of Anatomy

• Study includes adult, embryo, and fetal structure.
• Andreas Vesalius: Father of modern human anatomy.
  • 16th-century Belgian physician known for human dissections and detailed anatomical drawings.
• Nomina Anatomica: System of internationally agreed anatomical names.

Anatomy vs Physiology

• Anatomy: Study of what the body looks like and names of parts.
• Physiology: Study of how the body functions, often described through biochemical processes.
  • Analogy: Anatomy of a car (parts) vs physiology (how it works).

Types of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy: Study of large, visible structures.
• Surface Anatomy: Study of external features that serve as landmarks.
  • Examples: Sternal angle, spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra.
• Regional Anatomy: Study of specific body regions (e.g., head and neck for dental studies).
• Radiological Anatomy: Using imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
  • X-rays: Visualize bones and teeth.
  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging for detailed images, especially of soft tissues.
  • Ultrasound: Safe, uses sound waves (e.g., for fetal imaging).

Anatomical Systems

• Human body divided into systems: Skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, circulatory, etc.
• Study by systems is known as systemic anatomy.
• Neuroanatomy: Detailed study of the nervous system.

Hierarchy of Structures

• Organ systems consist of organs, which are made of tissues.
• Histology: Study of tissues (Epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve).
• Cytology: Study of cells.

Developmental Biology

• All living beings start as a single cell (zygote).
• Embryology: Study of development before birth.
  • Teratology: Study of birth defects.

Comparative and Pathological Anatomy

• Comparative Anatomy: Comparing anatomy of different species.
• Pathological Anatomy: Study of disease-affected anatomy.

Anatomical Relations and Positions

• Anatomic Position: Standard reference position for describing locations.
• Terms for Relative Positions:
  • Superior (cranial) vs. Inferior (caudal): Towards head vs towards feet.
  • Anterior (ventral) vs. Posterior (dorsal): Towards front vs back.
• Example: Trachea is anterior to the esophagus.

These notes cover the essential topics discussed in the class, including terms, systems, and methods used in the study of anatomy.