Introduction to Gross

Anatomy
Objectives:
• Define what is meant by gross anatomy
• Describe what material will be covered
• Define the anatomical position
• How to use anatomical terminology to
describe body planes, regions, directions
and movement
 MEDICAL GROSS ANATOMY
• Dfn.: The word anatomy has its origins in Greece,
“temnein”.
• A literal translation would be to cut open.
• Anatomy is the study of internal and external
structures and the physical relationships between
parts.
• Anatomical information provides clues about probable
functions, and physiological mechanisms can be
explained only in terms of the underlying anatomy.

All specific functions are performed by specific structures.

 How to know anatomy?
• It is not just memorizing facts
• An understanding of anatomy
requires an understanding of the
context in which the terminology can
be remembered
• e.g., Three main branches of Aorta
 R. brachiocephalic artery

The Aorta
L. common carotid artery
L. subclavian artery

Three main branches

Right brachiocephalic trunk
Left common carotid
Left subclavian artery
ivided into right and left sides by
l plane
s function to carry blood away from
art
ocephalic artery: carries blood to
um and head
mmon carotid: eventually divides into
ajor arteries – superficial and deep
s. Gr. Karos – deep sleep
bclavian artery: carries blood to
under clavicle, then to upper limb
 Define what is meant by gross
anatomy: Anatomy at different scales
Describe what material will be covered in
class
PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH AN INTRODUCTION TO:

1. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

2. ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES AT THE GROSS LEVEL

IN A CLINICAL CONTEXT

3. DISSECTION OF HUMAN CADAVERIC MATERIAL

http://dml.georgetown.edu/students/5586.html

4. CONVENTIONAL & MODERN IMAGING TECHNIQUES

X-RAYS
http://dml.georgetown.edu/resources/32790.html
CT
MRI
 ANATOMICAL VERNACULAR

The language of anatomical vernacular is an

internationally agreed upon nomenclature with
Latin and Greek roots forming its basis.
Physiological Systems
REGIONAL
ANATOMY
 De humani corporis fabrica
(On the Structure of the Human
Body• ) Vesalius is the only person
touching cadaver
• Menials (barber-surgeons) are
placed below table
• Demonstration is outside
students, physicians, and
leaders of city and church in
attendance
• Monkey and dog away from
center of picture

• Articulated skeleton in center –

importance of knowing the
bones

• Nude figure indicates

importance of knowing surface
anatomy
ANATOMY POSITION

• Standard reference position

• Standing upright

• Feet together, hands face outwards

• Fingers together
 FUNDAMENTAL PLANES IN THE
BODY
Superior
Posterior CORONAL
• Oriented vertically
HORIZONTAL, • Divides body into
(TRANSVERSE, anterior/posterior
Axial) Anterior

Divides body into

Superior/inferior

MEDIAN SAGITTAL
• Oriented vertically
Inferior
• At right angles to
coronal plane
• Divides body into R/L
 ESSENTIAL TERMS FOR
ORIENTATION
(Location)
Superior
(Cranial)

P
O A
DS N V R L
OT T E
RE E N Transverse
SR R T
A I I R Sagittal
LO O A
R R L
Inferior
(Caudal)

Coronal
Anterior/Posterior
Trachea

Imp. relationship to keep

in mind when an
anesthesiologist
intubates a patient.

Esophagus
Right vs. Left

Left recurrent laryngeal n.

Anatomical knowledge
will allow you to make
diagnosis
 Superior vs. Inferior

Liver
Stomach

Abnormal
relationship, e.g.,
hiatal hernia, likely to
indicate pathological
condition
 ORIENTATION
(Medial and Lateral, Everything is
Relative)
Clavicle
Sternum
Shoulder

Sagittal
 ESSENTIAL TERMS FOR
ORIENTATION
(Superficial and Deep)
Coronal

Superficial to Deep Deep to Superficial

Medial to Lateral

Superficial to Deep Deep to Superficial

Sagittal
 Superficial vs. Deep
Location of phrenic n.

Location of vagus n.
 Functions of Skin

Superficial Structures
• Protection
• Containment
• Heat Regulation
• Sensation
• Synthesis and storage of

Skin
Epidermis

Dermis
Collagen
Elastic tissue
Superficial fascia

Deep fascia

Muscle
 Superficial Structures

Skin

Superficial fascia
 Skin: Langer Lines
Skin Incisions
• Surgical incisions are
made parallel with tension
lines
• Allow for distention of
skin
• Heal better, little scarring
• Incisions perpendicular to
these lines more likely to
produce keloids
• Ice picks produce slit like
wounds rather than
rounded cuts
 Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks
• Striae gravidarum (pregnant women)
• Appear on abdomen, buttocks,
thighs, breast
• Striae distensae (obese people)
• Caused by the rapid increase in size
– damaging collagen fibers of dermis
 ESSENTIAL TERMS FOR
ORIENTATION
(Proximal and Distal: Near and Far)

Shoulder

Elbow

Wrist Sagittal
 ACTION TERMS

ABDUCT-ADDUCT

FLEX-EXTEND

MEDIAL ROTATION-LATERAL ROTATION

Pronation -Supination

CIRCUMDUCTION
Terms of
Movement
Terms of
Movement