Intro to Anatomy Newark High School

Anatomy Defined Anatomy: Ana- upward, tomy- to cut Dissection: Dis- apart, section- act of cutting Levels of structural organization: Microscopic- Macroscopic

Structure and Function Structure and function are interrelated The function of a structure implies that function is dependent upon structure –Anatomy and physiology are truly inseparable sciences –In architecture “form follows function” –A description of anatomy is followed by an explanation of its function, the structural characteristics contributing to that physiologic function

Definitions Anatomy - The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another. It is also called morphology, the science of form Physiology - The study of the function of living organisms.

Sub disciplines of Anatomy A. Developmental Anatomy (embryology) Sub disciplines of Anatomy B. Microscopic Anatomy or Histology - the study of tissues C. Gross Anatomy- visible to the naked eye Surface Anatomy - Anatomical landmarks Systemic Anatomy - structures are studied in functional groups Regional Anatomy – specific regions of the body D. Specialized Anatomy Radiographic Anatomy – Body structures that can be visualize with X-rays Pathological Anatomy- structural changes associated with disease

Diagnostic Techniques Palpation: feels body surfaces with hands Auscultation: listen to body sounds Percussion: taps on the body surface with finger tips.

Organization of the Human Body (Levels) The human body is organized into cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the organism. Cells are the smallest living unit of body construction. Tissues are group of cells working together. Examples are epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. An organ is a structure composed of several different tissues performing a particular function. Examples include the lungs and the heart. Organ systems are groups of organs which together perform an overall function. Examples are the respiratory system and the digestive system. The total organism is the individual human being.

Sagittal plane is a vertical plane that pass through the body from front to back. The median or midsagittal plane is the vertical plane that divides the body into right and left halves. Horizontal (transverse) plane divides the body or organ into upper & lower portions. Frontal (coronal) plane divides the body or organ into front & back. PLANES IN THE BODY

Directional Terms Superior, Inferior. Superior means above. towards the head (alternately: cranial - towards the head end) Inferior means below, towards the feet (alternately: caudal - towards the tail end) Anterior, Posterior. (1) Anterior (or ventral) refers to the front of the body. (2) Posterior (or dorsal) refers to the back of the body. Medial, Lateral. Medial means toward or nearer the midline of the body. Lateral means away from the midline or toward the side of the body. Intermediate: Between two structures Superficial, Deep. Superficial means closer to the surface of the body. Deep means away from the surface of the body Proximal, Distal. Proximal means near the point of origin (commonly to describe relative distance along a limb) & Distal means far from the point of origin. Ipsilateral & Contralateral. On the same side, on the opposite side

Body Cavities Body cavities are spaces within the body that help protect, separate & support internal organs. Bones, muscles, & ligaments separate the various body cavities from one another. Major Body Cavities Dorsal body cavity A- Cranial cavity B- Spinal cavity Ventral body cavity A- Thoracic: Pleural & pericardial cavities B- Abdominopelvic cavity

Body Cavities