Introduction to Human Body: Definition and Subdivisions of Anatomy & Physiology.

 

Introduction:

• Human beings are the most complex of all the living organisms.

• Human body contains many organs which work in an organized manner for an efficient working of the human body.

• The study of human body is divided broadly in two divisions,

• Anatomy

• Physiology.

• Human Anatomy is the branch of science that deals with the study of structures of different body parts.

• Human Physiology is the branch of science that deals with the study of functions of different body parts.

Human Anatomy: Study of Structure.

Human Physiology: Study Of Functions.

Anatomy & its Subdivisions:

• For easier understanding the study of anatomy is categorised in three major subdivisions as following,

• Gross Anatomy.

• Microscopic Anatomy.

• Other Subdivisions.

1. Gross Anatomy:

• This deals with the study of body parts that are visible to the naked eye.

• It is further classified as,

1. Systemic Anatomy: 

• Deals with study of systems e.g. Nervous System, Muscular System etc.

2. Regional Anatomy:

• Deals with study of a specific region of the body e.g. Chest Region, Pelvic Region.

2) Microscopic Anatomy:

• This deals with the study of body parts that are not visible to the naked eye and hence studied using a microscope.

• It is further classified as,

1. Cytology:

• It deals with the study of cells (Structural & Functional unit of the body).

2. Histology:

• It deals with study of structure of tissues like Muscular Tissue, Nervous tissue etc.

3) Other Subdivisions:

1. Developmental Biology:

• It deals with study of processes which cause complete development of a human being from  fertilisation to its full growth.

2. Embryology:

• It is a branch of science that deals with study of embryos and its development.

3. Pathological Anatomy:

• This branch of anatomy deals with study of anatomical changes taking place in particular diseases.

• e.g. Megaloblastic anaemia is characterized by formation of bigger Red Blood Cells called Megaloblasts.

4. Radiographic Anatomy:

• Radioanatomy is the branch of anatomy that deals with the study of anatomy through the use of radiographic films (X-Ray). 

Physiology & its Subdivisions:

• Physiology deals with the study of functions of different body parts.

• For convenience it is divided following subdivisions,

1. Respiratory Physiology:

• Deals with study of “Respiration” i.e. functioning of lungs and air passageways.

2. Renal Physiology:

• Deals with study of functioning of kidneys.

3. Immunology:

• Deals with study of defense mechanisms of the body against infections.

4. Neurophysiology:

• Deals with study of functioning of the nervous system

5. Pathophysiology:

• Deals with the study of functional changes in the body associated with a particular disease or aging.

• Deficient secretion insulin in diabetes causes hypoglycemia.

6. Cardiovascular Physiology:

• Deals with study of functioning of the cardiovascular system.

7. Endocrinology:

• Deals with study of functioning of the endocrine glands.

• The specialized physician in this branch is called an “Endocrinologist”.

Commonly Asked Questions:

1. Define the following terms;

1. Anatomy

2. Endocrinology 

3. Systemic Anatomy

4. Neurophysiology

5. Pathological Anatomy