Anatomy/Introduction

The term anatomy is derived from the Greek word temnein, meaning “to cut”. Anatomy is the study of the structures of organisms and their parts, here we are mainly going to discuss about Human anatomy. Human anatomy is mainly divided into two groups Macroscopic anatomy (Gross Anatomy) and Microscopic anatomy (Histology). Macroscopic anatomy or Gross Anatomy is the study of Human structures at the macroscopic level - everything that can be seen with the naked eye, and Microscopic anatomy or Histology is the study Human cells and tissues at microscopic level - which can be seen with a microscope.

Anatomy can be studied in mainly two ways of approach which are regional approach(each region of the body is studied separately and all aspects of that region are studied at the same time) and systemic approach(each system of the body is studied and followed throughout the entire body). Here we are only going to use the regional approach where we will study upper limb, lower limb, abdomen, thorax, back, head and neck separately.

A course in anatomy gives students several tools that are essential to the practice of medicine. The most apparent tool is the ability to describe the precise position of structures within the body, and to locate these structures quickly - an essential skill in medical communication. Furthermore, students learn the function of many of the body structures, aided by the study of Human Physiology. Bones, muscles, and the central nervous system all cause changes in the body on both the macroscopic and microscopic level.

In a traditional anatomy course at medical school, lectures are accompanied by laboratory time, in which cadavers are dissected, allowing the medical student to study anatomical structures in situ. This gives the student a more thorough and complete knowledge of structures in relation to one another, as well as an understanding of what these structures look and feel like - far more than any anatomical textbook could do. It also gives the student practical experience in identifying everything from bony landmarks to specific nerves and muscles.

The study of anatomy requires a significant amount of memorization, however this requirement is moderated by the use of systematic methods of learning, and various tricks - such as mnemonics - wherever possible.

To continue with the course, the student should begin by familiarizing themselves with the terminology used in anatomy.

1.1 Anatomical Terminology