Anatomy Course Notes
1. Introduction to Anatomy
- Definition: Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body.
- Branches: Gross anatomy, Microscopic anatomy, Developmental anatomy, Clinical anatomy.
- Anatomical position: Standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward.
- Planes: Sagittal, Coronal, Transverse.
2. Skeletal System (Osteology)
- Functions: Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell formation.
- Bone types: Long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid.
- Axial skeleton: Skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage.
- Appendicular skeleton: Pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, limbs.
- Joints: Fibrous, Cartilaginous, Synovial.
- Clinical: Osteoporosis, fractures, arthritis.
3. Muscular System (Myology)
- Muscle types: Skeletal, cardiac, smooth.
- Functions: Movement, posture, heat production.
- Major muscle groups: Upper limb (biceps, triceps, deltoid), Lower limb (quadriceps, hamstrings,
gluteus maximus), Trunk (rectus abdominis, diaphragm).
- Clinical: Tears, paralysis, muscular dystrophy.
4. Nervous System (Neurology)
- Divisions: CNS (brain & spinal cord), PNS, ANS (sympathetic & parasympathetic).
- Brain regions: Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brainstem.
- Spinal cord: Gray & white matter, reflexes.
- Clinical: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy.
5. Cardiovascular System
- Heart anatomy: Four chambers, valves, conduction system.
- Circulations: Pulmonary, Systemic.
- Vessels: Arteries, veins, capillaries.
- Clinical: Myocardial infarction, hypertension, varicose veins.
6. Respiratory System
- Organs: Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.
- Lung structure: Lobes, alveoli.
- Breathing: Diaphragm & intercostals.
- Clinical: Asthma, COPD, pneumonia.
7. Digestive System
- Alimentary canal: Mouth → esophagus → stomach → small intestine → large intestine → anus.
- Accessory organs: Liver, pancreas, gallbladder.
- Key processes: Ingestion, digestion, absorption, excretion.
- Clinical: Ulcers, hepatitis, gallstones.
8. Urinary System
- Organs: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
- Functions: Filtration, reabsorption, secretion, urine formation.
- Nephron: Functional unit.
- Clinical: Kidney stones, UTI, renal failure.
9. Reproductive System
- Male: Testes, vas deferens, prostate, penis.
- Female: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.
- Processes: Gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy.
- Clinical: Infertility, PCOS, prostate cancer.
10. Endocrine System
- Major glands: Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads.
- Hormones regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction.
- Clinical: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease.
11. Lymphatic & Immune System
- Components: Lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, lymph vessels.
- Functions: Defense, fluid balance, fat absorption.
- Clinical: Lymphedema, lymphoma, HIV/AIDS.
12. Integumentary System
- Layers: Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis.
- Functions: Protection, sensation, temperature regulation, vitamin D synthesis.
- Clinical: Burns, skin cancer, dermatitis.
13. Special Senses
- Vision: Eye, retina, optic nerve.
- Hearing: Ear, cochlea, auditory nerve.
- Taste & smell: Tongue, olfactory epithelium.
- Touch: Mechanoreceptors in skin.
- Clinical: Cataracts, deafness, anosmia.
Study Tips
- Use models/3D apps for visualization.
- Learn structures in layers.
- Memorize origins/insertions of major muscles.
- Practice labeling diagrams.
- Relate structures to clinical cases.
