Written by: Sharon Xu
Edited by: Audrey Chu
Anatomy defines the study of the structures of the human body and its parts. The Greek terms “ana” and “tome” mean "up" and "cutting" respectively. Before modern technology was developed, dissections were often used to study anatomy. Now, we rely more on technology to reduce the need to open a body.
There are two primary types of anatomy: gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.
Gross anatomy:
Gross anatomy, or macroscopic anatomy, is the study of the body's visible structures.
This process does not require a microscope. Structures like skin, muscles, bones, and organs
can be examined by dissecting. These processes can be done by using systemic anatomy or regional anatomy.
Systemic anatomy describes dividing the body into the eleven body systems. Each system contains organs that work together to perform a specific task. For example, the nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves to send messages to the brain. However, while each system has its separate, distinct function, they are still interrelated. For example, the muscular and skeletal systems work together through tendons -- we rely on the skeletal system to give us structure and the muscular system to give us movement, and the tendons connect muscle to bone, allowing for
movement.
Regional anatomy describes the focus on regions of the body as opposed to each system. One might look at the abdomen, upper limb, lower limb, etc. This dissection can allow us to see how specific systems work together. You won’t find all systems in one region of the body.
Microscopic anatomy:
Microscopic anatomy, also known as histology, is the study of non-visible body structures, thus requiring a microscope. These include, but are not limited to, cells, tissues, and molecules. By studying cells, we can gain insight into their structure and how they work together. Microscopic anatomy is invaluable when studying cancer cells. Under a microscope, we can examine how they act and how they affect healthy cells. We use microscopic anatomy for purposes including:
● Teaching: in labs, students are taught about the microstructures of tissues.
● Archeology: by taking samples, we can get data on what happened hundreds of years
ago
● Diagnosing: doctors will take biopsies and send samples to a lab to analyze the cells
and tissues to see if something is wrong.
● Autopsies/forensic investigations: people study the tissues of people and animals to find
the cause of death.
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