Introduction to Anatomy Flashcards
Anatomy basics
Anatomy
Study of the structure and organization of the
human body
Physiology
Study of the function of the body’s
structures
Macroscopic / Gross anatomy
Examination of structures using unaided eyesight.
Histology / Microscopic
anatomy
Examination of structures, specifically tissues,
using optical instruments like microscopes.
Embryology / Developmental
anatomy
Study of embryos and their development
Anthropology
Study human characteristics & their evolution
using skeletal remains
Comparative Anatomy
Study of multiple species to examine similarities or
differences & analyze evolutionary trends.
Organism
An individual life form
Organ system
Group of organs that collaborate to perform one or more
functions
Organ
Body part with a specific vital function
Tissue
Groups of cells with similar structure & collaborate to perform a
specific function (Histology = study of tissue)
Cell
Smallest unit of an organism, contains organelles (Cytology = study of
cells)
Regional Anatomy
Organize the body into its major parts or
areas
For example: Head, neck & thorax
Systemic anatomy
Organize the organs of the body into
systems that function together
For example: Skeletal & muscular systems
Axial Region
Bones located along the body’s central axis -eg. vertebral column (sacrum, coccyx)
Appendicular region
Bones of the limbs, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle
Subcostal Line
Horizontal line
connecting the last costal
cartilages (10th)
Intertubercular line
Horizontal
line connecting the tubercles of
the iliac crests
Midclavicular line
Vertical line
passing through midpoint of clavicle
