Chapter 1.2 Definition of Anatomy Flashcards
Anatomy is
The study of structure
The word anatomy is derived from Greek and means
To cut apart
Anatomists which are scientists who study anatomy, examine
The relationships among parts of the body as well as the structure of individual organs
Physiology is the
Scientific discipline that studies the function of body structures
The discipline of anatomy is a broad field that can be divided into two general categories which are?
Microscopic anatomy and Gross Anatomy
Microscopic Anatomy examines
Structures that cannot be observed by the unaided eye
The microscope has evolved from the
Primitive form first developed in the seventeenth century to a modern microscope
Specialized subdivisions of microscopic anatomy are defined by
The dimensional range of the material being examined
What are some examples of microscopic anatomy
- ) Cytology: Cellular anatomy, is the study of single body cells and their internal structures
- ) Histology: Is the study of tissues. It takes a wider approach to microscopic anatomy by examining how groups of specialized cells and their products function for a common purpose
Gross Anatomy is
Also called macroscopic anatomy which investigates the structure and relationships of large body parts that are visible to the unaided eye, such as the intestines, stomach, brain, heart, and kidneys
In macroscopic investigations, preserved specimens or their parts are often
Cut open (dissected) for examination
Name the several approaches to gross anatomy
1) Comparative anatomy
2) Developmental anatomy
3) Embryology
4) Regional anatomy
5) Surface anatomy
6) Systemic anatomy
Name the several specialized branches of anatomy that focus on the diagnosis of medical conditions or the advancement of basic scientific research
1) Pathologic anatomy
2) Radiographic anatomy
3) Surgical anatomy
Comparative anatomy examines
The similarities and differences in the anatomy of species
Developmental anatomy investigates
The changes in structure within an individual from conception through maturity
Embryology is
Concerned specifically with developmental changes occurring prior to birth
Regional anatomy examines
All the structures in a particular region of the body as one complete unit
Give an example of regional anatomy
The skin, connective tissue and fat, bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the neck
Surface anatomy examines
Both superficial anatomic markings and internal body structures as they relate to the skin covering them
Who uses surface anatomy
Health care providers use surface features to identify and locate specific bony processes as joints as well as to obtain a pulse or a blood sample from a patient
Systemic anatomy studies
The gross anatomy of each system in the body
Give an example of systemic anatomy
Studying the urinary system would involve examining the kidneys, where urine is formed, along with the organs of urine transport (ureters and urethra) and storage (urinary bladder)
What are the several specialized branches of anatomy that focus on the diagnosis of medical conditions or the advancement of basic scientific research?
1) Pathologic anatomy
2) Radiographic anatomy
3) Surgical anatomy
Describe Pathologic anatomy
It examines all anatomic changes resulting from disease
Describe Radiographic anatomy
It studies the relationships among internal structures that may be visualized by specific scanning procedures, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or x-ray
Describe Surgical anatomy
It investigates the anatomic landmarks used before and after surgery
Give an example of surgical anatomy
Prior to back surgery, the location of the L4 vertebra is precisely identified by drawing an imaginary line between the hip bones. The intersection of this line with the vertebral column shows the location of L4
Anatomic studies are ongoing, and the success of the discipline depends upon the
Precise observation, thorough description, and correct use of terminology
