Anatomy
Anatomy is the study of the structure and organization of living beings, including humans, plants, and animals. It is divided into gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, developmental anatomy, and comparative anatomy. Understanding anatomy is essential for medicine, nursing, and NEET exam preparation.
This Story also Contains
- What is Anatomy?
- Classification of Anatomy
- Types of Anatomy
- Human Anatomy
- Plant Anatomy
- Animal Anatomy
- Anatomy vs Physiology
- Importance and Scope of Anatomy
- Anatomy for NEET and Competitive Exam
- Exams Relevance
- Anatomy NEET MCQs
- FAQs on Anatomy
Anatomy is an important division of biology that deals with the structure and organisation of living beings, particularly the human body. It is the study of the internal and external structure and organization of the organism. It also includes parts of the body, what they do, and how they interact to sustain life. A good grasp of anatomy and physiology is fundamental in the explanation of human body mechanisms and is the basis of many fields in healthcare, medicine, and nursing.
What is Anatomy?
Anatomy is the study of the composition and arrangement of living things. The word anatomy is derived from the Greek word “anatomē”, where “ana” means “up” and “tome” means “cutting.” It consists of anatomical structures, including structural anatomy, dealing with the physical building of the organism and functional anatomy, dealing with the interactions between such structures. In zoology, anatomy is established on the aspect of the body structures of animals, whereas in botany, it deals with the detailed internal structure and organisation of plants. Both fields help us understand the shape and functioning of a living organism in both kingdoms.
Classification of Anatomy
Anatomy is classified as:
Gross Anatomy: This refers to the examination of parts of the body visible without the use of naked eye magnification. It consists primarily of organs and organ systems.
Microscopic Anatomy: Those which are not visible with the naked eye of human beings unless under magnification, like cells and tissues.
Developmental Anatomy: This research analyses the way anatomical structures develop from conception to adulthood.
Comparative Anatomy: This compares anatomical structures between one species and another to continue evolutionary relationships.
Types of Anatomy
Types of Anatomy cover various fields focusing on different organisms and systems. Here are the main types:
Human Anatomy
Human anatomy includes the understanding of 12 body systems and their roles.
Focuses on the structure and organisation of the human body.
Includes systems like the circulatory, nervous, digestive, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems.
Divided into gross anatomy (visible structures) and microscopic anatomy (tissues, cells).
Circulatory System
Transports blood, nutrients, and oxygen.
Removes waste products like carbon dioxide.
Maintains body temperature and fluid balance.
Includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Respiratory System
Facilitates breathing and oxygen exchange.
Removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Includes lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
Works closely with the circulatory system for gas exchange.
Digestive System
Breaks down food into nutrients.
Absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream.
Eliminates solid waste.
Includes organs like the stomach, intestines, and liver.
Nervous System
Sends and receives electrical signals.
Controls bodily functions and responses.
Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Coordinates voluntary and involuntary actions.
Musculoskeletal System
Provides structure and support.
Enables movement via muscles and bones.
Protects internal organs.
Includes bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Endocrine System
Regulates body activities using hormones.
Controls growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Includes glands like the thyroid, pancreas, and pituitary.
Maintains homeostasis in the body.
Immune System
Defends the body against pathogens and infections.
Produces white blood cells and antibodies.
Includes lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.
Recognises and eliminates harmful invaders.
Integumentary System
Protects the body from external damage.
Regulates body temperature.
Includes skin, hair, and nails.
Acts as a barrier against pathogens.
Urinary System
Removes waste products from the blood.
Regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
Includes kidneys, bladder, and urethra.
Maintains pH balance and blood pressure.
Reproductive System
Produces and nurtures offspring.
Includes organs like ovaries, testes, uterus, and prostate.
Facilitates fertilisation and pregnancy.
Produces sex hormones for reproduction.
Lymphatic System
Returns excess fluid to the bloodstream.
Filters out toxins and waste products.
Supports immune system function.
Includes lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and spleen.
Sensory System
Processes sensory information (sight, sound, touch, etc.).
Includes eyes, ears, skin, and sensory nerves.
Sends data to the brain for interpretation.
Allows interaction with the environment.
Plant Anatomy
This includes the study of the internal structure of plants, study of the tissues, xylem, phloem, and epidermis. It involves the roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive parts.
Root Anatomy
The inner part of roots comprises the epidermis, cortex, endodermis, and vascular tissues like the xylem and phloem.
It shows how the roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Stem Anatomy
The inner structure of the stem is given attention to the vascular bundles, pith, cambium, and epidermis.
Analyses how stems support the plant and transport nutrients and water.
Leaf Anatomy
Focuses on the structure of leaves, including epidermis, mesophyll, stomata, and vascular tissue.
Studies the process of photosynthesis, gas exchange, and the regulation of water.
Flower and Reproductive Anatomy
Studies the structure of flowers and reproductive organs, including stamens, carpels, ovaries, and pollen.
Focuses on reproduction, seed formation, and pollination.
Animal Anatomy
Animal anatomy deals with the structure of animals. It includes the anatomy of both vertebrates (like mammals, and birds) and invertebrates (like insects and molluscs). It also studies comparative anatomy, looking at similarities and differences across species.
Anatomy vs Physiology
Anatomy and physiology complement each other because anatomy takes into account the structure of bodily organs, and physiology involves the working of the bodily organs. Most importantly, both need to be known in order to get an idea of the overall picture of human biology. To provide more examples, an understanding of the anatomy of the heart assists in knowing its physiological functions, such as pumping blood and oxygenating it.
Importance and Scope of Anatomy
There are many branches of anatomy, including human, comparative and functional anatomy in animals, and so on. It is the foundation for courses in physiology, medicine and surgery. Anatomy terminology has to be mastered for communication and to understand complex physiological ideas.
Anatomy for NEET and Competitive Exam
For NEET, anatomy-related topics fall under different chapters of the Biology syllabus. The table below lists the important chapters that are anatomy-related which are a must for NEET Exam Preparation:
Exams Relevance
The table below indicates the weightage and types of questions asked on Anatomy:
Exam Type | Types of Questions |
Short answers on anatomical terminology, body systems, and diagrams | |
MCQs on human anatomy, organ functions, and anatomical relationships | |
Assertion and reason questions on the significance of different body systems | |
Scenario-based questions on anatomy related to patient care and treatment | |
True/False questions on anatomical structures and their functions |
Anatomy NEET MCQs
Q1. Choose the incorrect statement
Cardiac or gastric-esophageal sphincter divides the tract above
The stomach lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity
Stomach is the widest organ of the alimentary canal
The stomach is a thick walled organ that lies between the esophagus and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum)
Correct answer: 2) The stomach lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity
Explanation:
Stomach -
The stomach is a thick-walled organ that lies between the esophagus and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).
It is on the left side of the abdominal cavity.
It is the widest organ of the alimentary canal.
It is a hollow J-shaped organ.
The stomach is on the left side of the abdominal cavity.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2) The stomach lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity.
Q2. Concept - Anatomy of heart
The right aortic arch is found in
Mammals
Mammals and Reptiles
Birds
Amphibians
Correct answer: 2) Mammals and Reptiles
Explanation:
The aortic arch, the arch of the aorta or the transverse aortic arch is a part of the aorta between the ascending and descending aorta. The arch travels backwards so that it ultimately runs to the left of the trachea.
The right-sided aortic arch is a rare anatomical variant in which the aortic arch is on the right side rather than on the left.
Hence, the correct answer is Option (2) Mammals and reptiles
Q3. Which option correctly arranges the coverings of the brain from the posterior end to the anterior end?
Arachnoid
Dura mater
Pia mater
II, I, III
III, II, I
III, I, II
I, II, III
Correct answer: 3) III, I, II
Explanation:
The Human Brain is well protected by the skull. Inside the skull, the brain is covered by cranial meninges consisting of three coverings which are as follows :
1. Pia mater: The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges, and it is located closest to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.
2. Arachnoid: The arachnoid mater is the middle layer of the meninges, positioned between the pia mater and the dura mater.
3. Dura mater: The dura mater is the outermost and toughest layer of the meninges, protecting the brain and spinal cord.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3)III, I, II.
Also Read:
FAQs on Anatomy
What is anatomy in biology?
Anatomy is the branch of biology that deals with the study of internal and external structure and organization of organisms. Human anatomy includes the understanding of 12 body systems and their roles. Plant anatomy includes the study of the internal structure of plants, tissues, xylem, phloem, roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive parts. Animal anatomy deals with the structure of animals. It includes the anatomy of both vertebrates and invertebrates.
What are the main types of anatomy?
The main types of anatomy are:
Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic): Study of organs and structures visible with naked eyes.
Microscopic Anatomy: Includes histology (tissues) and cytology (cells).
Developmental Anatomy: Study of structural changes during growth and development, including embryology.
Comparative Anatomy: Compares structures among different species to study evolution.
What are the 12 systems of human anatomy and their functions?
Integumentary system: Skin, hair, nails – protection and regulation.
Skeletal system: Bones, joints – support, movement, protection.
Muscular system: Muscles – movement, posture, heat generation.
Nervous system: Brain, spinal cord, nerves – coordination, responses.
Endocrine system: Glands – hormone secretion and regulation.
Circulatory system: Heart, blood, vessels – transport of nutrients and oxygen.
Lymphatic system: Lymph nodes, spleen – immunity and fluid balance.
Respiratory system: Lungs, airways – gas exchange (O₂ in, CO₂ out).
Digestive system: Stomach, intestines, liver – breakdown and absorption of food.
Urinary system: Kidneys, bladder – excretion and water balance.
Reproductive system: Ovaries, testes, uterus – production of gametes and reproduction.
Immune system (often integrated with lymphatic): Defends against pathogens and maintains homeostasis.
What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?
Feature | Anatomy | Physiology |
Definition | Study of structure and organization of body parts | Study of functions and processes of body parts |
Examples | Anatomy of the heart includes chambers and valves | Physiology of the heart includes pumping blood and electrical conduction |
Study method | Dissection, imaging (X-rays, MRI) | Observation of processes, experiments, biochemical tests |
Introduction To Plant Anatomy:
Human Skeletal System Anatomy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main branches include gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy (histology), developmental anatomy (embryology), and clinical anatomy, each focusing on different aspects of the body’s structure.
Anatomy focuses on the structure and organization of body parts, while physiology deals with their functions and how these parts work together to maintain life.
stapes is the smallest bone in the body. Stapes looks like a fork. It means stirrup in latin. It is divided into inferior and superior cus. It conveys sound vibrations to the bone. If the stapes are damaged or injured, the person can lose their hearing ability.
The heart- the heart is available alive for 4-6 hours.
Lungs- lungs are available for 4-6 hours.
Liver is available for 8-12 hours.
Kidney- the kidney is available for 24-36 hours.
when oxygen enters or we breathe in diaphragm contracts causing the lungs to expand.When oxygen exits or we breathe out the diaphragm backs to its normal position. Human beings breathe through the nose. When we breathe in air gets passed to the trachea. it travels to smaller airways called alveoli. In alveoli oxygen is absorbed by the blood and carbon dioxide is taken out from the blood.
the human brain has three parts.
Cerebrum- the largest part of the brain. It is divided into hemispheres(left and right). One hemisphere controls speech and the other visual information. It contains an inner core and an outer cortex.
Cerebellum- It is found behind the cerebral hemispheres. It controls positional sensors. It is divided into two hemispheres. The cortex is divided into an outer layer, an intermediate layer, receptive layer. The receptive layer receives various sensory inputs.
Brainstream- it lies between the cerebral and spinal cord. It regulates the actions of the body.It is divided into the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. Medulla transmits signals between the spinal cord and parts of the brain.
When blood cells grow it loses their nucleus and produces hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein.It contains iron. It is a red pigment. hemoglobin carries oxygen. Oxygen containing hemoglobin is red. When blood goes through the lungs, oxygen attaches to the hemoglobin. Then the blood becomes red. From arteries and capillaries, red blood cells are passed throughout the body. Arteries become reddish as oxygen to the cells. Veins do not have oxygen it appears bluish.
