An Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Introduction
• Definition of Anatomy and Physiology
• Subdivisions of Anatomy
• Subdivisions of physiology

Learning Outcome

INTRODUCTION

Why will you learn Anatomy and Physiology? 

As you make your way through this book, you will be learning about one of the most fascinating subjects possible - your own body. 

The ultimate goal is to make you a medical personality - the last person to whom the ill and sick humans depend for their good health and disease free life.

The human body is complex in both structure and function. As you progress through this book, you will begin to understand how study of Anatomy and Physiology help you to understand the structural complexity and function of the human body.

In fact, Anatomy and Physiology are two complementary branches of medical science; and they together make the firm foundation of medical science.

DEFINITION OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

What is Anatomy and Physiology? / Define Anatomy and Physiology.

Definition of Anatomy

• Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body. [Reg.-1]

• Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and the physical relationships involved between body systems. [Ref-2]

The word "Anatomy" is derived from the Greek anatome, where ana means 'up' and tome means 'process of cutting'.

It was first studied by dissection (dis-=apart;-section-=act of cutting), the careful cutting apart of body structures to study their relative dispositions on naked eye.

Definition of Physiology

• Physiology (physio=nature;-logy=study of) is the science of body functions-how the body parts work. [Ref-3]

Subdivisions of Anatomy

1. Gross anatomy (Macroscopic anatomy) 

Gross anatomy can be divided into-

• Regional anatomy is the study of gross anatomy by dissection of different regions of the body, such as the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, trunk, hand or leg.

• Systemic anatomy is the study of the structures of specific systems of the body such as nervous, alimentary, respiratory, cardiovascular systems.

A system is composed of groups of organs that function together to produce coordinated effects. For example, the heart, blood, and blood vessels from the cardiovascular system, which circulates oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

2. Microscopic anatomy

It is the study of the structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Microscopic anatomy can be divided into -

• Cytology is the microscopic study of the cells of the body. 

3. Embryology

It is the study of the developmental changes of human embryos and fetuses before birth during intra-uterine life 

4. Highly specialized branches of anatomy

• Radiographic (imaging) anatomy is the study of the internal structures as visualized by X-ray images or specialized imaging procedures.

• Clinical anatomy is the application of anatomical knowledge in clinical practice, with a view to help the clinicians for reaching at the correct diagnosis and treatment of the patients.

Subdivisions of Physiology

Like anatomy, physiology has many subdivisions based on functions of specific organ systems.

For examples -

• Neurophysiology: Study of functional properties of the nervous system (nerve cells.)

• Respiratory physiology: Study of functions of the respiratory tract and lungs, and the mechanism of respiration.

CHAPTER SUMMARY

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy and physiology are inseparable. 

Subdivisions of Anatomy

1. Gross anatomy (Macroscopic anatomy): 

• Regional anatomy 

• Systemic anatomy

• Surface anatomy

2. Microscopic anatomy 

• Cytology

• Histology

3. Embryology/Developmental anatomy 

4. Specialized branches:

• Radiographic (imaging) anatomy 

• Pathological anatomy

• Clinical anatomy

Subdivisions of Physiology

• Renal physiology 

• Neurophysiology

• Cardiovascular physiology

• Respiratory physiology 

• Endocrinology

• Immunology

• Pathophysiology

References

1. Greys Anatomy 

2. Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology

3. Tortora Principle of Anatomy and Physiology

4. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology.