Anatomy is the study of the structure and organization of living organisms. It is a branch of biology that focuses on the physical structure of organisms, including their internal and external parts.
Types of Anatomy
Anatomy can be divided into several subfields, including:
Gross anatomy: The study of the structures that can be seen with the naked eye, such as organs, bones, and muscles.
Microscopic anatomy: The study of the structures that can only be seen with the aid of a microscope, such as cells and tissues.
Developmental anatomy: The study of how organisms grow and develop from conception to adulthood.
An understanding of anatomical terminology is essential for studying anatomy. Some important terms include:
Anatomical position: The standard reference position for the body, where the body is standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart, and palms facing forward.
Anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal): Referring to the front and back of the body, respectively.
Superior and inferior: Referring to the top and bottom of the body, respectively.
Proximal and distal: Referring to positions closer to or farther away from the center of the body.
The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure, function, behavior, development, life cycles, and diversity of living organisms by describing the structure-function relationship