Subdivisions of Anatomy

Subdivisions of Anatomy

1. Gross anatomy (Macroscopic anatomy)
It is the study of large body structures visible to the naked eye (i.e. without using microscope).

Gross anatomy can be divided into -

• Regional anatomy is the study of gross anatomy by dissection of different regions of the body, such as the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, trunk, hand or leg.
• Systemic anatomy is the study of the structures of specific systems of the body such as nervous, alimentary, respiratory, cardiovascular systems.

A system is composed of groups of organs that function together to produce coordinated effects. For example,  the heart, blood, and blood vessels from the cardiovascular system which circulates oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

• Surface anatomy is the study of the internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface.

2. Microscopic Anatomy
It is the study of the structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Microscopic anatomy can be devided into-

• Cytology is the microscopic study of the cells of the body.
• Histology is the microscopic study of the tissues of the body.

3. Embryology
It is the study of the developmental changes of human embrylos and foetuses before birth during intra-uterine life.

4. Highly specialised branches of anatomy :

• Pathological anatomy is the study of structural changes (from gross to microscopic) associated with disease.
•  Radiographic (imaging) anatomy is the study of the internal structures as visualized by X-ray images or specialized procedures.
•  Clinical anatomy is the application of anatomical knowledge in clinical practice,  with a view to help the clinicians for reaching at the correct diagnosis and treatment of the patients.