Introduction and History of Anatomy/Levels of Organization

Definitions Anatomy- From Greek “to cut open” Study of the structure of the body, either regionally or systematically Physiology – branch of biological science dealing with the function of organs and organ systems

History of Anatomy Probably began with early examinations of sacrifice victims. First documented by Egyptians ~1600 BC Egyptian anatomical papyrus showed organs (including blood vessels)

Hippocrates Greek physician who studied anatomy, and speculated physiology “Father of Anatomy” Much of his work remains today Hippocratic oath taken by doctors at graduation

Hippocrates’ Beliefs Sickness was not a divine punishment Medicine should be ethical (Hippocratic oath) Patient confidentiality

Galen 2nd Century AD Compiled anatomical studies of earlier writers Also performed vivisection on animals

Medicine during Medieval Times When Rome fell, little was done to advance the studies. Desecration of the body was taboo Cadavers were no longer used

16th Century Contributions Began to compile extensive drawings of dissections of executed cadavers Discovered the physiology of circulatory system

17th and 18th centuries Few dissections were allowed Only certain scientists were allowed to perform them Tickets were sold to others wishing to see and draw the dissected bodies. Doctors literally traveled from dissection to dissection

19th Century Began studying developmental anatomy England became the center of anatomical research Anatomy Act of 1832 provided adequate supply of corpses Gray’s Anatomy first published 1858 (for traveling doctors)

Modern Anatomy Use of new technology provided further understanding of both structure and function of organs and organ systems CAT scans, X-rays, Genetic tests, MRI

Future of Anatomy Health related studies are now centered around molecular biology Looking for genetic and molecular indicators of disease New assays conducted more in vitro vs. in vivo

Levels of Organization

Starting with the largest Organism (in this case humans) Collection of organ systems which function together

Organ system Organs which work together to perform a certain function I.E. Cardiovascular system

Organ Collection of tissues that work together to form an organ system ie. Heart, blood, vein, capillary, etc.

Tissue Cells which work together to form an organ I.E. Cardiac muscle tissue, elastic tissue surrounding veins and arteries

Cell Work together to form a tissue IE. RBC, WBC, cardiac muscle cell

Molecule Work collectively to form a cell IE. Protein, carbohydrate, lipid

Atom Most basic that anything can be broken down into and still exhibit characteristics of itself Ie. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon