This document provides an introduction to the science of anatomy, outlining its definition, importance in medicine, and historical contributions from figures like Hippocrates and Vesalius. It describes the evolution of anatomy from descriptive studies to practical applications, emphasizing various subdivisions such as gross, microscopic, and clinical anatomy. The text highlights the significance of understanding anatomical structures for medical practice, particularly in surgical contexts.
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Anatomy 1
This document provides an introduction to the science of anatomy, outlining its definition, importance in medicine, and historical contributions from figures like Hippocrates and Vesalius. It describes the evolution of anatomy from descriptive studies to practical applications, emphasizing various subdivisions such as gross, microscopic, and clinical anatomy. The text highlights the significance of understanding anatomical structures for medical practice, particularly in surgical contexts.
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Introduction and History
of Anatomy
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, the student should be
able to:
+ define anatomy and learn its subdivisions
+ discuss why understanding human anatomy is es-
sential to the science of medicine
+ presents historical perspective of main contributors
to the science of human anatomy through life and
achievements of Hippocrates, Herophilus, Aristotle,
Galen, Leonardo da Vinci and Vesalius
+ correctly solve the review questions given at the end
of the chapter
INTRODUCTION
Anatomy is the science which deals with the structure
of the body from macroscopic to the microscopic level.
Human anatomy has for long been studied through di
section of cadavers (preserved dead bodies), which served
as the basis for understanding the structure and functions
of the human body. The understanding of structural orga~
nization of the human body is essential so that the doctor
knows which structure is affected in disease, which struc-
ture is being examined by him and which structure is,
being cut by him during operation.
The term anatomy is derived from the Greek word
‘anatome meaning to cut up. The term dissection is the Latin
‘equivalent of the Greek term anatome and in the past the word
‘anatomize was more commonly used than the word dissect.
Earlier, the human anatomy was a descriptive science
primarily concerned with identifying and naming the body
structures, but today the importance of anatomy lies in its
functional approach and clinical applications. Therefore,
presently, human anatomy isa practical applied science that,
forms the firm foundation of the practice of medicine (ie.
art of healing).
‘SUBDIVISIONS OF ANATOMY
In the past, anatomy was studied mainly by dissection, but,
nowadays, itis studied by all possible ways and techniques
like imaging, microscopy, etc. Different approaches have
been adopted to study anatomy. Based on this, anatomy is
divided into following types:
|. Gross anatomy/topographical anatomy
Microscopic anatomy (histology)
Surface anatomy
Comparative anatomy
Physical anthropology
Living anatomy
Clinical anatomy
Radiological anatomy
). Developmental anatomylembryology
Geneties
|. Experimental anatomy
1. Gross (topographical) anatomy: study on cadavers by
dissection and observation of structures by naked eye.
In gross anatomy the structures are either studied
region-wise (regional anatomy) or system-wise (systemic
anatomy).
(a) Regional anatomy: approach in which all the struc
tures in a particular region of the body are studied
at the same time. The body is dissected region-wise.
Since the regional anatomy deals with several systems
located in a particular region of the body, this
approach of studying anatomy is most useful to the
clinicians, particularly the surgeons who need to con-
centrate mostly on a limited region during surgery.
‘Therefore, regional approach is the most preferred
method of anatomy all over the world.
