Anatomy: Overview, Definition, History, & Biology

Every living being in this world has some mechanisms and their body have different structures for essential functions of the body(digestion, excretion). Our body is made up of many cells, tissues, and organs which together perform all body functions. For example, the heart(an organ consisting of veins and arteries) pumps blood all over the body. Learning about our own bodies is interesting. This can lead to the discovery of new drugs, the discovery of new fields.

In this article, we learn about one of the branches of biology -structures of the body(anatomy). Anatomy deals with the tissues and organs present in the body.

What Is Anatomy

Anatomy is the branch of biology. It is the study of structures present in organisms. It is derived from the greek word ana meaning “up” and tome meaning “a cutting”.It is different from physiology and biochemistry as they deal with the functions and chemical processes of cells. Anatomist deals with the shape, size, and structure of organs like the liver.

The two most famous anatomists are herophilus and erasistratus. They both helped with human dissection. Erasistratus concentrated on the study of the circulatory and nervous systems. Herophilus is described as the small intestine, liver, and salivary glands.

Types Of Anatomy

There are two types of anatomy. they are:

• Microscopic Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy

Gross Anatomy

Gross or macroscopic anatomy refers to the study of structures that can be seen by the eye. In this, the study of structures is done by the dissection of organisms. In dissection, the scientist cuts the plant and animal bodies. Then examines the structures that are seen inside the body.

MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) scan and X-ray (radiography)scan are imaging techniques that are useful for studying parts inside an organism's body.

Microscopic Anatomy

Microscopic anatomy or histology is the study of cells and tissues that cannot be seen through the eye. They can be seen through a microscope. It helps to learn about inside cells and how they interact. For example, if a person is affected by corona by examining the mucous of the affected patient and the tissues under the microscope, we can see how the tissues got damaged.

Through staining(gram staining, cell wall staining) and sectioning of cells and tissues, we can see under electron (TEM-transmission electron microscope, SEM-scanning electron microscope)or light microscope.

Branches Of Anatomy

Branches of anatomy are

Surface anatomy-study of structures by not dissection.

Regional anatomy-study of particular cells and tissues of the body(eg:lung, heart).

Systemic anatomy-study of different organ systems in the body (eg: reproductive system).

Cytology-study of the structure of cells.

Comparative anatomy-it is the study of the comparison of structures in different organisms.

Human Body Systems

The human body is made up of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

The cell is the functional unit of life.

Tissues are the group of cells that performs a function.

Organs are a group of tissues. (Eg: the kidney which removes wastes from the body).

Organ systems are the group of organs(Eg: the respiratory system which regulates breathing).

Humans have 11 organ systems. They are

The Skeletal system-it consists of bones, joints, cartilages. Vertebrates consist of the axial including the vertebral column, and the appendicular. The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones. The appendicular skeleton consists of 126 bones. It protects the internal organs of the body.

The muscular system-It contains muscles. It helps in body movement. It contains 600 muscles. Skeletal muscles are muscles attached to bones. Smooth muscles are present inside organs (stomach). Cardiac muscles are present in the heart and are strong.

The Lymphatic system-Lymph nodes, vessels .500-600lymph nodes are present in the body. It removes extra fluid from the tisses. It helps in transporting fat. Lymph node protects the body from external harmful microorganisms.

The Respiratory system-organs that regulate breathing trachea, lungs. lungs intake oxygen from the surroundings and pass it to the blood. Lungs balance the pH and protect the body from harmful substances.

The Digestive system-organs that break and absorb nutrients from food.Stomach, small intestine, and mouth. The alimentary canal is 30 feet long. It includes ingestion(intake of food), secretion(secretion of saliva and entering into the stomach), digestion(breakage of food particles), absorption(nutrients from the food is absorbed in the small intestine), and urination(excretion of waste products).

The Nervous system-nerves, the brain that controls the whole body. It communicates all over the body through signals or messages. a central nervous system including brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system contains many nerves from the central nervous system.

The Endocrine system-organs such as the pancreas, brain, and liver excrete hormones. It regulates the hormones. Hypothalamus is located in the brain, adrenal is present on top of the kidneys, testes, and ovaries.

The Cardiovascular system-blood vessels, veins, and heart which pump blood that carries oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. The heart has four chambers. The atria(two upper chambers) receive blood and the ventricles(two lower chambers) discharge blood.

The Urinary system-kidney which filters blood and waste products from the body. bladder, kidney, and urethra are the reproductive system. Kidneys regulate blood pressure and erythropoietin production.

The Reproductive system-organs that involve in the production of new organisms. The female reproductive systems are the ovaries and the uterus. Male reproductive systems are the penis, testicles, and vas deferens.

The integumentary system-it is the body’s external layer. It consists of nails, skin, and hair. It protects from infection and injury. Eyelashes protect eyes from outside dirt. Glands produce substances for the skin.