🏥 Medical Encyclopedia

Human Anatomy

Vitruvian Man – Proportions of the human body

Human anatomy is the scientific study of the structure of the human body. It is divided into gross anatomy (visible structures) and microscopic anatomy (histology).

🧬 Key Fact: The human body contains 206 bones, 639 skeletal muscles, and approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels.

Organ Systems

System	Major Organs	Primary Function
Skeletal	Bones, cartilage	Support, protection
Muscular	Skeletal, cardiac, smooth muscles	Movement, posture
Cardiovascular	Heart, blood vessels	Circulation, oxygen transport
Respiratory	Lungs, trachea, diaphragm	Gas exchange
Digestive	Stomach, intestines, liver	Nutrient absorption
Nervous	Brain, spinal cord, nerves	Communication, control
Endocrine	Glands (pituitary, thyroid)	Hormone regulation
Urinary	Kidneys, bladder	Waste removal
Reproductive	Ovaries, testes	Reproduction

Anatomical Planes

Coronal (Frontal): Divides into anterior and posterior
Sagittal: Divides into left and right
Transverse (Axial): Divides into superior and inferior

Key Body Cavities

Cranial Cavity: Houses the brain
Thoracic Cavity: Contains heart and lungs
Abdominal Cavity: Contains digestive organs
Pelvic Cavity: Contains reproductive organs

"The human body is the best picture of the human soul." – Ludwig Wittgenstein Philosopher