Introduction to Anatomy

Dr. Muna Kadel

Associate Professor
NAIHS
 Anatomy ?
• Anatomy is the
study of the
structures of the
body.
• Aristotle coined the
term “anatome”
means cutting up
• Dissection is more
technical term
• Human anatomy- science which deals with the
structures of human body
• Anatomy is the foundation of whole medicine
 History of anatomy

• Pre –historic period- used anatomy as art of killing

not the science of healing
• Father of anatomy- Herophilus (300 BC)-
contribution in nervous and vascular system
• Hippocrates- father of medicine and founder of
anatomy
• Leonardo da Vinci- originator of cross-sectional
anatomy (15th century)
• Vesalius- Founder of modern anatomy
• Recognized the anatomy as founder of
modern medicine
• He taught that anatomy can be studied only
by dissection.
Henry Gray (1827-1861)
 Contd..

19th century:
• Dissection was made compulsory
• Trend of selling dead body & 16 murder took
place in Edinburg
• 1832 Anatomy act was made under which
unclaimed bodies were made available for
dissection.
21st century
USG,CT, MRI and IVF
 Subdivisions of anatomy
• Cadaveric anatomy- studied
on cadavars
• Living anatomy- studied by
inspection, palpation,
percussion, endoscopy etc.
• Embryology –study of prenatal
developmental changes
• Histology( microscopic
anatomy)- study by the aid of
microscope- cytology and
histology
 Contd..
• Surface anatomy
(topographic anatomy) –
study of deeper part of the
body in relation to skin
• Radiographic and imaging
anatomy
• Applied anatomy-
application of anatomical
knowledge in medical and
surgical practice
• Genetics – study of
information present in the
chromosome.
 Positions
• Anatomical position:
• When a person standing straight
with eyes looking forwards, both
arms by the side of the body ,
palm facing forward and both Anatomical
position
the feet together