Definitions of Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy: The scientific study of the morphological structure and developmental patterns of various organs and systems in the human body.

Physiology: The scientific study of the functions, mechanisms, principles, and regulatory patterns of various organs and systems in the human body.

Classification of Anatomy

Gross Anatomy + Histology

Levels of Physiological Research

Whole-body level

Organ and system level

Cellular and molecular level

Fundamental Research Methods in Anatomy

Classical Methods: Dissection using surgical instruments, comparison through naked-eye observations

Organ Level: X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, FMRI

Tissue and Cellular Level: Light microscopy, electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy

Molecular Level: Molecular biology, immunocytochemistry

Classification of Animal Experimental Methods

In vivo experiments, ex vivo experiments (acute - anesthesia, chronic - awake)

Standard Anatomical Position

Human body upright, arms hanging naturally at the sides, palms facing forward, feet together, toes pointing forward, eyes looking straight ahead.

Common Anatomical Terminologies

Directional Terms: Superior and inferior (cranial/caudal), anterior and posterior (ventral/dorsal), internal and external (proximal/distal), superficial and deep (close to skin)

Axes: Vertical axis (superior/inferior), sagittal axis (anterior/posterior), coronal axis (left/right)

Planes: Vertical plane (divides into anterior/posterior), sagittal plane (divides into superior/inferior), coronal plane (divides into anterior/posterior)


Note: The content in this blog consists of class notes, intended for sharing and educational purposes only. Some images and content are sourced from textbooks, teacher materials, and the internet. If there is any infringement, please contact aursus.blog@gmail.com for removal.