Chapter 1 - The Study of Human Anatomy Flashcards
Anatomy
Study of the structure of the human body
Physiology
Study of the function of the human body
Functional Morphology
- Structure and reason for the structure
- Form follows function
The Anatomical Sciences
- Gross anatomy
- Surface anatomy
- Radiological anatomy
- Comparative anatomy
- Histology
Gross Anatomy
Study of structures visible to the naked eye
Surface Anatomy
Study of the external structure of the body
Radiological Anatomy
Study of internal structure using imaging techniques
Systemic Anatomy
Study of one organ system at a time
Regional Anatomy
Study of multiple organ systems bases on region of the body
Comparative Anatomy
Study of >1 species to compare structural similarities and differences
Histology
- Microscopic anatomy
- Histopathology: microscopic analysis of diseased tissue
- Cytology: structure and function of individual cells
- Ultrastructure: fine details of cell (molecular level)
Methods of Study
- Inspection: looking at surface appearance
- Palpation: feeling a structure
- Auscultation: listening to normal sounds
- Percussion: tapping and listening
- Dissection: cutting and separating of tissues (use of cadavers)
Variations in Human Structure
- Situs solitus: normal arrangement of organs
- Situs inversus: reversed position of organs
- Situs perversus: one organ atypically positioned
Levels of Human Structure
- Atoms
- Molecules
- Macromolcules
- Organelles
- Cells
- Tissues
- Organs
- Systems
- Organism
Organ Systems
- Digestive
- Respiratory
- Urinary
- Nervous
- Circulatory
- Skeletal
- Muscular
- Integumentary
- Lymphatic
- Endocrine
- Reproductive
Anatomical Position
- Standing erect with feet flat
- Arms at the sides, palms supinated
- Palms, face, and eyes facing forward
- Provides a constant reference of body position
Anatomical Planes
- Sagittal (vertical plane): median (midsagittal) plane = equal halves, parasagittal = unequal portions
- Frontal (coronal) plane: anterior/posterior portions
- Transverse (horizontal) plane: superior/inferior portions
Anterior
toward the front of the body
Posterior
toward the back of the body
Ventral
toward the anterior side (in humans only, ‘anterior’ is preferred terminology)