Anatomy
Introduction
Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts. It is an old science, having its beginnings in prehistoric times. Anatomy is intrinsically tied to developmental biology, comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology, and it is also closely related to physiology and biochemistry.
History
The study of anatomy begins at least as far back as 1600 BC, the date of the Edwin Smith Papyrus. This treatise shows that the heart, its vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, hypothalamus, uterus and bladder were recognized, and that the blood vessels were known to emanate from the heart. Other vessels are described, some carrying air, some mucus, and two to the right ear are said to carry the "breath of life", while two to the left ear the "breath of death".
Human Anatomy
Human anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body. It is a complex science, which builds on many sub-disciplines including histology, zoology, comparative anatomy, and biochemistry.
Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy
Gross anatomy, or macroscopic anatomy, involves the study of the structures that can be seen with the naked eye. It includes the outer form and external structures, as well as the internal parts such as the organs and internal structures.
Microscopic Anatomy
Microscopic anatomy, which includes cytology and histology, is the study of structures on a microscopic scale.
Animal Anatomy
Animal anatomy is the study of the structure of animals. It includes both the study of the structures themselves, and the relationships between structures.
Vertebrate Anatomy
Vertebrate anatomy is the study of the anatomy of animals with a backbone, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Invertebrate Anatomy
Invertebrate anatomy is the study of the structure of invertebrates, animals without a backbone, such as insects, spiders, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Plant Anatomy
Plant anatomy is the study of the structure of plants. It includes the study of tissues and cells that make up individual plants.
Comparative Anatomy
Comparative anatomy is the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species. It is closely related to evolutionary biology and phylogeny.