Introduction to Anatomy

Flashcards covering the history, approaches, terminology, and systems of human anatomy based on lecture notes.

Anatomy

The science of the structure and function of the body, derived from the Greek words Anatome ($\text{"dissection"}$) and logos ($\text{"study of"}$).

Herophilus

The Father of Anatomy who recorded the $1\text{st}$ systematic dissection of humans and performed vivisections (dissection of living organisms).

Leonardo Da Vinci

An artist and scientist who produced vivid illustrations of the human form and pioneered the depiction of cross-sectional anatomy.

Andreas Vesalius

The Father of Modern Anatomy who authored De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem and challenged the traditional anatomical theories of Galen.

Jacobus Sylvius

The mentor of Andreas Vesalius who adhered to the anatomical theories of Galen.

Regional Anatomy

Also called Topographical Anatomy, it focuses on the organization of the body by major parts, segments, or layers, and the relationships of systemic structures within a specific area.

Surface Anatomy

A part of regional anatomy that aims to visualize structures conferring contour to the surface and distinguish unusual palpable findings in clinical practice.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of the body's organ systems that work together to carry out complex functions.

Gross Anatomy

The study of structures seen with the naked eye, such as muscles, bones, and various organs.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye, requiring the use of a microscope.

Cytology

The study of cells using biological methods.

Histology

The study of tissues using scientific methods.

Embryology

The study of changes in a developing organism from the fertilization of the ovum to birth.

Applied Anatomy

Also known as Clinical Anatomy, it is the direct application of human anatomy facts to medicine and surgery.

Anatomic Position

Standing upright with head, gaze, and toes directed anteriorly, arms at the side with palms facing anteriorly, and lower limbs close together with feet parallel.

Sagittal Planes

Vertical planes that divide the body into right and left sides.

Midsagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that runs straight down the center of the body.

Frontal Planes

Also called Coronal Planes, these are vertical planes at a right angle to the median plane that divide the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sides.

Transverse Planes

Also called Cross-section planes, these horizontal planes divide the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Longitudinal Section

A slice made lengthwise or parallel to the long axis of the body or any of its parts.

Oblique Sections

Slices of the body or its parts that are not cut along the standard anatomical planes.

Unilateral

Relating to one side of the body only, such as the appendix, cecum, spleen, pancreas, or stomach.

Bilateral

Paired structures found on either side or half of the body, such as kidneys, eyes, ears, arms, and feet.

Ipsilateral

Occurring on the same side of the body as another structure, such as the right thumb and right great toe.

Contralateral

Occurring on the opposite side of the body relative to another structure, such as the left arm and the right foot.

Flexion

A movement occurring in the sagittal plane where the joint angle is decreased, usually in an anterior direction.

Extension

A movement occurring in the sagittal plane where the joint angle is increased or straightened.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot so that it faces in a medial direction.

Eversion

Moving the foot so that the sole faces in a lateral direction.

Dorsiflexion

Flexion at the ankle joint that occurs when walking uphill or lifting the front of the foot and toes off the ground.

Plantarflexion

Moving the sole of the foot inferiorly, such as when standing on your toes.

Rotation

Movement of a part of the body around its long axis, involving little to no movement through space.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body in the coronal plane, or spreading digits apart.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body in the coronal plane, or drawing digits together.

Circumduction

A complex sequence of movements combining flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

Dorsal Cavity

The smaller, more rigid main cavity divided into the cranial cavity (housing the brain) and the vertebral canal (housing the spinal cord).

Ventral Cavity

Consists of the thoracic cavity (housing the lungs and heart) and the abdominopelvic cavity (housing the GI tract, urogenital system, kidneys, and rectum).

Axial Skeleton

The vertical axis of the body consisting of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage (ribs and sternum).

Appendicular Skeleton

The bones of the upper and lower limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.

Integumentary System

The system including the skin and sensory receptors that protects, waterproofs, excretes salt/urea, and regulates temperature.

Skeletal System

The system of bones, cartilages, and joints that provides support, protection, mineral storage, and hematopoiesis (formation of red blood cells).

Muscular System

Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles that provide movement, support, and heat production through contraction.

Cardiovascular System

Consists of the heart and blood vessels; the heart pumps blood while blood carries nutrients, waste, and gasses.

Lymphatic System

The system that recovers fluid for tissue drainage, cleans the blood, and houses cells involved in immunity.

Nervous System

The system that responds to signals and coordinates organ activities; includes the CNS (brain, spinal cord) and PNS (nerves, sensory receptors).

Endocrine System

The system of glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal) that use hormones to direct long-term changes like growth and metabolism.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for delivering air to sites where gas exchange occurs, including the lungs, trachea, and nasal passages.

Digestive System

The system that processes food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates undigested materials.

Urinary System

The system that excretes nitrogen-containing waste, maintains water and salt balance, and controls blood pH.

Reproductive System

The system responsible for the production of sex cells (sperm/eggs) and hormones to produce offspring.