What is Human Anatomy?

The Human Anatomy is the science that studies body structures, how they form and how they work together in the body (systems).

What Does Anatomy Study?

Anatomy analyzes how body structures can be affected by genetics (changes chromosomal changes that pass to the descendants), by the environment (diseases) and by time (modifications of the childhood to old age).

Furthermore, it investigates the evolutionary mechanisms that cause changes and alter their functions. It is related to Biology, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Nursing and other biomedical areas.

Anatomy Technical Terms

In anatomy there are many names that can frighten any beginner, but they are fundamental for a better understanding of the subject. In addition to the names of organs and structures, there are terms and conventions that are essential, they are: body division and anatomical position, planes, axes and anatomical movements.

Division of the Body

As in other biological areas, in anatomy, the study is done in parts, which can be the

macroscopic or microscopic level. There are specialists for each area, for example: myologist (muscles), osteologist (bones), among others.

That's why doctors become specialists in an area of ​​the body that he has studied best, like the pulmonologist, who treats the lungs.

The human body is divided into large groups: head, neck, trunk and limbs. Each of these is subdivided into specific parts.

For example, in the head are the skull (where the brain and spinal cord are located) and the face (eyes, nose, mouth, ears).

What is Anatomical Position?

The anatomical position is scientifically adopted for the study of the human body. In this position, the person is standing with the face facing forward and looking towards the horizon. Arms extended at your sides, palms facing forward. Legs are together and feet are facing forward.

Representation of a woman in anatomical position

Read too:

• Parts of the human body
• Members of the Human Body
• Human Body Systems
• Organs of the Human Body
• Organs of the human body without which you can survive

Anatomical Plans

To facilitate the correct spatial location of body parts, anatomical planes are defined. Each plane represents a section of the body, dividing it into parts. It is important to note that several cuts can be made in a plane, parallel to each other.

Anatomical Plans

• Frontal or Coronal Plane: Cuts the body vertically from one side to the other, passing through the coronal suture of the skull, that is, close to the ears. All structures located ahead are called previous and behind are later;
• Sagittal plane: Cuts the body vertically into two halves, right and left, passing through the sagittal suture of the skull, that is, through the forehead. If the cut is made right in the middle of the body, it is called midplane. All structures located near the midplane are called medial and the ones that are furthest away are sides;
• Transverse or Horizontal Plan: cuts the body horizontally, that is, transversely. All structures above the plan are called superiors and below, inferior.

Anatomical Axes and Movements

The axes are imaginary lines that "pierce" the planes perpendicularly. The anatomical movements are related to the axes, that is, the joints move through the connection point represented by the axes. The main ones are listed below:

Anatomical Axes

• Anteroposterior or Sagittal Axis: passes through the frontal plane going from front to back;

  • Abduction: movement in the anteroposterior axis, such as the shoulder and hip joints, moving away from the median plane of the body. Examples: raising arm, bending forward;
  • Adduction: movement that approaches the median plane of the body. Examples: lowering the arm, returning the trunk to an upright position;
• Lateral-lateral or horizontal axis: passes through the sagittal plane going from one side to the other;
  • Extension: movement on the horizontal axis, which increases the angle between two bone structures, pushing them apart. Example: stretch your arm forward;
  • Flexion: Produces a reduction in the angle between two bone structures, bringing them closer. Example: bending the arm, bringing the hand close to the shoulder;
• Longitudinal Axis: passes through the transverse plane going from top to bottom, or vice versa;
  • Medial or Internal Rotation: movement in the longitudinal axis that rotates the limb from the outside to the inside (direction of the median plane).
  • Lateral or External Rotation: movement that rotates the limb from the inside out (direction of the lateral plane).

know more:

• Human Body Joints
• Muscles of the Human Body
• Bones of the Human Body
• skull bones