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Overview of Anatomy and Physiology

Overview of Anatomy and Physiology

Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures. Some of these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed with the assistance of a microscope. Other larger structures can readily be seen, manipulated, measured, and weighed. The word "anatomy" comes from a Greek root that means "to cut apart." Human anatomy was first studied by observing the body's exterior and the wounds of soldiers and other injuries. Later, physicians were allowed to dissect the bodies of...

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Terminology

Knowledge of anatomy is essential to understand human biology and medicine. Anatomists and health care professionals use standard terminology to describe the human body with more precision and no ambiguity. Anatomical terms have mostly Greek and Latin-derived roots. Because these languages are rarely used in conversation, the meaning of words remains the same. Each term is made up of a root in between the prefixes and suffixes. The root of a term often refers to an organ, tissue, or condition,...

Anatomical Positions

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...

Regional Terms

Regional Terms

Regional terms describe anatomy by dividing the body parts into different regions that contain structures involved in contributing similar functions. Using these terms helps increase the accurate description and identification of the particular region of interest or region affected by the disease.
Primarily, the human body has two major regions, the axial and appendicular regions. The axial region comprises regions from the head to the abdomen and makes up the central body axis. In contrast,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models

Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models

Published on: May 9, 2015

Problem-based anatomy for surgical residents.

Mattingly¹, Dean, Carrow

¹Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA

Current Surgery

|October 12, 2000

Summary

Surgical residents often lack anatomy experience. A problem-based anatomy course at Michigan State University (MSU) addresses complex surgical anatomy, enhancing resident competence in critical areas.

Area of Science:

Medical Education
Surgical Anatomy
Problem-Based Learning

Background:

Graduating medical students often have limited undergraduate anatomy experience.
Surgical residents require comprehensive anatomical knowledge for procedures across various body regions.
Gaps in surgical resident anatomy experience necessitate targeted educational interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and evaluate a problem-based anatomy course for surgical residents.
To address complex anatomical areas critical for lifesaving surgical procedures.
To enhance surgical resident competence in operative approaches.

Main Methods:

A problem-based anatomy course was developed using 61 clinical scenarios.
Scenarios focused on critical anatomical approaches and related structures in head/neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities.

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Exploring Deep Space - Uncovering the Anatomy of Periventricular Structures to Reveal the Lateral Ventricles of the Human Brain

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Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models

Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models

Published on: May 9, 2015

An Anatomical Study of Nerves at Risk During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery

An Anatomical Study of Nerves at Risk During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery

Published on: February 17, 2018

Exploring Deep Space - Uncovering the Anatomy of Periventricular Structures to Reveal the Lateral Ventricles of the Human Brain

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The course was directed by a surgeon and anatomist, emphasizing surgical approaches and therapy options.

Main Results:

The course successfully addressed complex anatomical areas relevant to surgical intervention.
The problem-based approach improved residents' consideration of safe operative approaches.
The program demonstrated success over 4 years and is expanding within the MSU system.

Conclusions:

A problem-based anatomy course effectively enhances surgical resident training in complex anatomical areas.
This educational model provides opportunities for residents to develop safe and competent surgical skills.
The success suggests potential for broader application in other surgical specialties and medical student education.