Anatomical Terminology

• Physiology is the study of function
• Anatomy is the study of structure
• Structure and function are inseparable as the foundation of the science and art of medicine
• Gross anatomy is the study of structures that can be dissected and observed with the unaided eye or with a hand lens
• Topographical anatomy is the anatomy of one part in relation to other parts of the body
• Applied anatomy is the practical application of knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions
• Microscopic anatomy is the study of structures too small to be seen without a light microscope
• Ultrastructural anatomy involves examination of structure in even greater detail with an electron microscope
• Pathological anatomy studies deviations from normal structure when an animal becomes diseased or its organs function improperly
• Embryology is the study of the development of the individual from the fertilized oocyte to birth
• Developmental anatomy is the study of the development from the zygote to the adult
• Teratology is the study of abnormal development
• An understanding of directional terms is necessary for dissection
• Directional terms include dorsal, ventral, medial, lateral, cranial, rostral, caudal, internal, external, superficial, deep, proximal, distal, radial, ulnar, tibial, fibular, palmar, plantar, axial, abaxial
• Basic movements of the body parts include flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction, rotation, supination, pronation
• Common regional synonyms include brachium for the arm, antebrachium for the forearm, and crus for the leg
• Radiographs are described in relation to the direction of penetration by the x-ray
• Dissection involves gaining a clear understanding of the normal structures of the body, their relationships, and individual variation
• Imaging procedures such as CT, MRI, and US require a clear understanding of anatomical relationships and the ability to interpret three-dimensional anatomy from two-dimensional views