Introduction to Anatomy

What is Anatomy?

• Anatomy: Scientific study of body structure (morphology).
• Morphology: Another term for structure (from Greek "morphos" meaning shape).

Terminology

• Anatomic and medical terminology based on Greek and Latin roots.
• Example: "Anatomy" is derived from Greek roots "an" (up) and "tome" (cut) - meaning to "cut up."
• Root 'tone': Appears in terms like
  • Tonsillectomy: Cutting out tonsils
  • Appendectomy: Cutting out appendix

CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography)

• Computerized Axial Tomography:
  • Computerized: Uses computers.
  • Axial: Refers to axis of the body (divides right and left halves).
  • Tomography: From 'tone' (cut) and 'graph' (picture); gives image as if cuts/sections were made.
  • CAT Scan: Produces images of body sections without actual cuts.

Fields of Anatomy

• Study of adult, embryo, and fetal structures and development.
• Father of Modern Anatomy: Andreas Vesalius
  • 16th-century Belgian physician
  • Created detailed anatomical drawings, compiled into "De humani corporis fabrica."
• Nomina Anatomica: International body that standardizes anatomic names.

Anatomy vs. Physiology

• Anatomy: What the body looks like (structure).
  • Example: Car analogy (names and parts of an engine).
• Physiology: How the body works (functions, biochemical processes).
  • Example: Car analogy (internal combustion process).

Key Differences

• Anatomy: Structural names and locations.
• Physiology: Functional processes and mechanisms.
  • Importance of understanding chemistry for physiology.

Types of Anatomy Studies

• Gross Anatomy: Macrostructures visible to the naked eye.
• Surface Anatomy: External features and landmarks.
  • Example 1: Sternal Angle (ridge on the sternum, where the second pair of ribs and top of heart are located).
  • Example 2: Spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (prominent bump on the back of the neck).
• Regional Anatomy: Anatomy by body areas or regions.
  • Examples: Head and neck (dental hygiene), leg and foot (podiatry).
• Radiological Anatomy: Internal body imaging techniques.
  • X-rays: Visualizes bones and teeth.
  • Angiograms: Uses contrast dye to visualize blood vessels.
  • CT Scans (CAT scans): Detailed cross-sectional images using X-rays.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnetic fields to create images, often used for brain and spinal cord.
  • Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves for imaging (safest, often used for prenatal scans).

Introduction to Systems of the Body

• Multiple systems covered in anatomy courses (e.g., skeletal, muscular, digestive).
• Specific systems like the nervous system (neuroanatomy) are more complex and may require advanced courses.
• Systems divided into organs made of various tissues.
  • Example: Digestive system includes esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, etc.

Study of Tissues (Histology)

• Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing a common function.
  • Types: Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nerve tissues.
• Cells: Basic units of life; study of cells is cytology.
  • All living things start life as a single cell (zygote).

Developmental Anatomy and Comparative Anatomy

• Developmental Anatomy: Growth from zygote to adult.
  • Prenatal (embryology): Development before birth.
  • Teratology: Study of birth defects.
• Comparative Anatomy: Comparing anatomy of different species; using models (e.g., cats) to learn human anatomy.
• Pathological Anatomy: Study of diseased or injured anatomy.

Directional Terms and Relations

• Anatomic or Reference Position: Standard body position for describing locations.
  • Upright, head forward, arms at side, palms forward.
• Relative Positions: Descriptive terms to compare parts of the body.
  • Superior/Cranial: Towards the head.
  • Inferior/Caudal: Towards the tail/end.
  • Anterior/Ventral: Towards the front of the body.
  • Posterior/Dorsal: Towards the back of the body.
• Examples and practice provided in lab manual to learn and apply these terms accurately.