Anatomy

An Introduction

By
Dr. Kavita Marwah
 Definition
• It is derived from the Greek Word “anatome” meaning “cutting
up”.
• The Latin equivalent is “dissection”.
• Both are not same
Physiology –
Anatomy – It’s
The place of
a theatre
Dissection Technique action

Field of
Anatomy
Study
 Definition
• Anatomy – It is a science dealing with body structures and
their relationships.
• Physiology – It is the study of body function. In this, we study
how our organs, systems, tissues, cells, and molecules within
cells work and how their functions are put together to
maintain our internal environment.
 Physiology
• Physiology – It is the science dealing with the study of human
body functions.
• Exercise physiology – It is the study of how body’s structures and
functions are changed as a result of exercises.
• Sports Physiology – It is derived from exercise physiology. It
applies the concept of exercise physiology to training the athlete
and enhancing the athlete’s sports performance.
 Types of Anatomy
• Regional Anatomy – The body is studied in parts like Upper
limb, Lower Limb, thorax, abdomen, head and neck and brain.

• Systemic Anatomy – The body is studied in systems like

skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, circulatory
system etc.
 Some Important Terms
• Anterior – Front of Trunk, Neck and Face
• Posterior – Back of Trunk, Neck and Face
• Proximal/Superior – Close to upper part of body
• Distal/Inferior – Close to part of body
• Superficial – Close to skin/towards the surface of body
 Superficial and Deep
• Superficial – Refers to a structure
being closer to the surface of the
body than another one.
• Deep – Indicate to a structure
closer to the core of the body
than another one.
 Positions of the Body
1. Anatomical Position
 Standing straight
 Eyes looking forward
 Both arms on the side
 Palms facing forwards
 Feet together
 Cont.
2. Supine Position
 Lying on back
 Arms by side
 Palms facing upwards
 Feet together

3. Prone Position
 Lying on Face, chest and
abdomen
Planes of the
Body
 Planes

• Horizontal or Transverse

Plane – A plane dividing the

body into upper and lower

parts.
 Planes

• Frontal or Coronal Plane – A

plane that divides the body

into anterior and posterior

halves.
 Planes

• Sagittal or Median Plane – A

plane that divides the body

into two equal right and left

halves.
Body Mass Distribution as per Body Planes
 Centre of Gravity

• The point where all three planes

intersect in the body is called centre

of gravity.

• There is free rotation in all directions

at this point.

• Weight is equal on all opposite sides.

 Axis of Movement
• Axis is the Line around which
the movement takes place.
• Any movement that occurs in a
plane is around an axis.
• Axis of the same plane makes
an angle perpendicular to that
plane.
 Axis of Movement
• Frontal Axis – The line running from left to
right through the center of the body.
• Vertical Axis – The line running from top to
bottom through the center of the body.
• Sagittal Axis - The sagittal axis passes
horizontally from posterior to anterior and
is formed by the intersection of the sagittal
and horizontal planes.
 Body Movements

• Flexion
• Extension
• Abduction
• Adduction
• Circumduction
 Cont.
• Lateral Flexion – Movement of
waist/neck sideways to right or left from
the waist/neck or sideward bending.
• Medial Rotation – Anterior surface of a
bone of limb turn towards the midline.
• Lateral Rotation – Anterior surface of a
bone of limb turn away from midline.
 Cont.
• Supination - Rotate the
forearm so that the palm
faces forward.
• Pronation - Rotate the
forearm so that the palm
faces backward.
 Cont.
• Protraction of the scapula occurs
when the shoulder is moved
forward, as when pushing against
something or throwing a ball.
• Retraction is the opposite
motion, with the scapula being
pulled posteriorly and medially,
toward the vertebral column.
 Cont.
• Inversion is the turning of the foot to
angle the bottom of the foot toward the
midline, while eversion turns the bottom
of the foot away from the midline.
• Lifting the front of the foot, so that the
top of the foot moves toward the anterior
leg is dorsiflexion, while lifting the heel of
the foot from the ground or pointing the
toes downward is plantar flexion.
 Cont.
• Opposition is the thumb
movement that brings the tip of
the thumb in contact with the
tip of a finger.
• Returning the thumb to its
anatomical position next to the
index finger is called reposition.
 Cont.
• The upward movement of the scapula
and shoulder is elevation, while a
downward movement is depression.
• These movements are used to shrug your
shoulders. Similarly, elevation of the
mandible is the upward movement of
the lower jaw used to close the mouth
and depression is the downward
movement for opening of the mouth.
 Assignment

• Write down any 10 movements and mention the names of

body planes and axis on which those movements occur.