Anatomy of the human body

Human Anatomy
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Anatomia humani corporis
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
Anatomical terminology

Human anatomy is the scientific study of the morphology of the adult human. It is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy (also called topographical anatomy, regional anatomy, or anthropotomy) is the study of anatomical structures that can be seen by the naked eye. Microscopic anatomy is the study of minute anatomical structures assisted with microscopes, and includes histology (the study of the organization of tissues), and cytology (the study of cells).

Overview

Anatomy is inherently tied to embryology, comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, and phylogeny, as these are the processes by which anatomy is generated over immediate (embryology) and long (evolution) timescales. Human anatomical structures are primarily understood through their DNA information. The study of "macro" or large-scale structures of the human body is known as gross anatomy. On the other hand, microanatomy involves the use of optical instruments in the study of the tissues of various structures, known as histology, and also in the study of cells.

Systems of the Human Body

The human body is composed of several organ systems, each dedicated to specific functions necessary for the body's health and survival. Below are the major systems:

Skeletal system

The skeletal system provides the hard structure (skeleton) to the body made up of bones and cartilage. It also includes joints, ligaments, and other connective tissue that stabilizes or interconnects these other structures.

Muscular system

The muscular system consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles. It permits movement of the body, maintains posture, and circulates blood throughout the body.

Circulatory system

The circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood. It is responsible for pumping blood to distribute nutrients, oxygen, and waste.

Nervous system

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and all of the nerves that connect these organs with the rest of the body. It is responsible for controlling both voluntary and involuntary physiological functions.

Respiratory system

The respiratory system includes the lungs, trachea, and other breathing systems. It is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide.

Digestive system

The digestive system consists of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and other associated organs. It is responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Endocrine system

The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream that regulate metabolism, growth, and sexual function.

Urinary system

The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is responsible for removing waste from the body and regulating blood volume and pressure.

Reproductive system

The reproductive system varies significantly between males and females. In females, it includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands. In males, it includes the testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis.

See also

• List of anatomical regions
• Human body
• Medical imaging