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Chapter 1
A First Look at Anatomy
We are all anatomists
in our daily lives, we
watch, observe, recall
Think about it:
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Anatomy is:
study of external and internal structures
as well as the physical relationship among body parts
in practical terms, anatomy it is the careful observation of the
human body
Anatomical information gives clues about probable
function
all specific functions are performed by specific structures
Human anatomy is an applied science that provides
the basis for understanding health and physical
performance

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In the beginning
The basic vocabulary used in anatomy
is derived from Greek and Latin
Prominent anatomists
Herophilus
referred to by some as the father of
scientific anatomy
made public dissections comparing human
and animal morphology (live specimens!)
anatomical study:
discovered nervous system
brain & spinal cord structure, distinguished
sensory from motor nerves
Galen
considered second only to Hippocrates
proved arteries full of blood
blood movement was like an oceans tide, ebbing
back and forth within the same vessels
spirit system
pneuma: natural spirit, vital spirit & animal spirit
first to introduce notion of experimentation to
medicine
dog urinary bladder study
http://www.health.gov.mt/impaedcard/issue/issue1/ipc00122.htm
Prince of
Physicians
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Definition of Anatomy
the study of structure
individual elements along with relationship of parts

STRUCTURE & FUNCTION (Table 1.1)
relationship exists between the anatomy of a structure and
its function, or physiology
structure reflects function
cannot be completely separated

Subdisciplines grouped into two general categories:
Microscopic anatomy
Gross anatomy
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Microscopic Anatomy
Examines structures that
cannot be observed by the
unaided eye
Limited by instrumentation
& magnification

Histology
study of tissues
Cytology
study of a cell and their
internal structures
hair cell
hair
bundle
Spiral Organ of Corti
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Gross Anatomy
also termed macroscopic anatomy
addresses structure and
relationships of large body parts,
visible to the unaided eye
approaches:
developmental anatomy
changes in structure from time of
conception through maturity
regional anatomy
examines structure in particular
region of body as complete unit
surface anatomy
examines both superficial
anatomical markings & internal
structures as they relate to skin
covering them
systemic anatomy
examines macroscopic anatomy
of each organ system
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~anatomy/wrist-hand/morph/morph2.html
An example of
Surface Anatomy
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Also observe specialized
branches of anatomy that
focus on the diagnosis of
medical conditions/research
pathologic anatomy
anatomic changes due to
disease
radiographic anatomy
relationships among internal
structures visualized by
specific imaging procedures
surgical anatomy
anatomic landmarks used for
surgical procedures
http://www.rad.washington.edu/radanat/Pelvis.html
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Anatomy is not fixed,
anatomic studies
continue
Rely upon precise
observation, thorough
description and correct
use of terminology
these are the tools of
the trade
http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?pid=S0716-98681997000200013&script=sci_arttext&tlng=es
ANATOMIC STUDY ON THE
ARTERIAL SUPPLY IN THE
CAPRINE PLACENTA
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Structural Organization of the Body
Several levels of increasingly complex
organization is observed in the human
Simplest
smallest stable unit
shape determines fx
basic units of
structure & fx
organelles
permit
shared fx,
but cells
vary in size
& shape,
reflect fx
grps of similar cells work
together to perform one or
more fxs; four primary
tissue types
structure composed of at least 2
tissue types
organs that cooperate & work
closely together to
accomplish common purpose
highest level of structural organization; organism
represents sum total of all structural levels working
in unison to promote life
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Characteristics of Living Things
Life is neither defined by a single property nor exemplified by
one characteristic only
cells are the smallest structural units that exhibit
characteristics of living things
Properties common to living organisms:
organization
living organisms exhibit complex structure & order, pattern different
from inanimate objects
boundaries, separate internal from external environment
maintain physical integrity & internal organization as well as keep
internal environment within tolerable limits
metabolism
cellular chemical rxns
catabolism, anabolism, energy production using nutrients & oxygen
growth & development
increase in size or number
anabolic activities > catabolic activities
differentiation
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responsiveness
irritability ability to sense/respond to changes
in environment
adaptation
adjustment over time to ensure success
alter anatomic structure, physiologic process or
behavioral trait
regulation
control/regulatory mechs to maintain constant
internal environment homeostasis
reproduction
cellular or organismal

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Introduction to Organ Systems
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Body Cavities
Body
divided
into:
lined by a
serous
membrane
dorsal cavity
Internal organs & organ systems are housed within separate enclosed
spaces, or cavities, which are named according to bones that surround
them or the organs they contain
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Body Membranes - Serous
composed of 2
layers: parietal
layer and visceral
layer, with a thin
serous cavity
inbetween
containing a
lubricating film of
serous fluid
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Precise Language of Anatomy
Anatomy has its own language which is
utilized to convey specific and precise
information
rules and terminology
Descriptive terms based on premise that the
body is in the anatomical position
serves as initial point of reference
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Anatomic Position
Individual stands upright
with feet parallel and flat on
the floor, head level and
eyes look forward toward
the observer, arms at either
side with palms facing
forward and thumbs point
away from body
all functional & directional
terms used refer to the body in
the anatomic position
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Sections & Planes
Anatomic
Directions
Regional Anatomy
Abdominopelvic Regions & Quadrants
Additional Anatomic Language