Anatomy

Anatomy is the identification and description of the structures of living things. It is a branch of biology and medicine.

The study of anatomy goes back over 2,000 years, to the Ancient Greeks. It can be divided into three broad areas: Human anatomy, zootomy, or animal anatomy, and phytotomy, which is plant anatomy.

Human anatomy is the study of the structures of the human body. An understanding of anatomy is key to the practice of health and medicine.

The word “anatomy” comes from the Greek words “ana,” meaning “up,” and “tome,” meaning “a cutting.” Studies of anatomy have traditionally depended on cutting up, or dissection, but now, with imaging technology, it is increasingly possible to see how a body is made up without dissection.

There are two ways of looking at anatomy: Gross, or macroscopic, anatomy and microscopic anatomy.

Gross anatomy

Knowing about anatomy is key to understanding healthcare.

In medicine, gross anatomy, macro anatomy, or topographical anatomy refers to the study of the biological structures that are visible to the naked eye.

The study of gross anatomy may involve dissection or noninvasive methods. The aim is to collect data about the larger structures of organs and organ systems.

In dissection, the scientist cuts open the human or animal cadaver is cut open and examines its organs.

Endoscopy, inserting a tube with a camera at the end, might be used to study structures within living animals. Endoscopy is performed either through the mouth or through the rectum, so the gastrointestinal tract is often the primary organ of interest.

There are also less invasive methods. For example, to study the blood vessels of living animals or humans, the scientist may insert an opaque dye into the animal that will highlight the circulatory system when imaging technology, such as angiography.

Techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or x-ray also reveal information about the inside of a living body.

Medical and dental students perform dissection as part of their practical work in gross human anatomy during their studies. They may dissect a human corpse.

Students of gross anatomy will need to learn about the major body systems.

Human body systems

There are 11 organ systems in the human body: http://www.innerbody.com/

• The integumentary system, meaning skin, hair, nails, and so on
• Skeletal system
• Muscular system
• Lymphatic system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Nervous system
• Endocrine system, which regulates hormone production
• Cardiovascular system
• Urinary system
• Reproductive systems