Makindo Medical Notes

Related Subjects: |Anatomy of the Ear |Anatomy of the Oesophagus |Anatomy of the Diaphragm |Anatomy of Large Bowel |Anatomy of Small Bowel |Anatomy of the Biliary system |Anatomy of the Liver |Anatomy of the Eye |Anatomy of the Larynx |Anatomy of the Ear |Anatomy of Male Genitalia |Anatomy of Skin

🧍 Introduction

Human anatomy is the study of the body’s structure – from microscopic tissues to entire organ systems. It forms the foundation for understanding physiology, health, and disease. 🔑 Key principle: Anatomy underpins every clinical decision, from examination to surgery.

📖 Terminology

🦴 Skeletal System

The adult skeleton contains 206 bones. It provides support, protects vital organs, enables movement, and acts as a mineral reservoir. 📌 Bone marrow within long bones produces blood cells (haematopoiesis).

• Axial skeleton: Skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum.
• Appendicular skeleton: Limbs + pectoral and pelvic girdles.
• Clinical: Osteoporosis → fractures of hip, vertebrae, wrist.

💪 Muscular System

Over 600 muscles enable voluntary and involuntary movements. They generate posture, movement, and heat.

• Skeletal muscle: Voluntary, striated, attached to bones.
• Smooth muscle: Involuntary, in GI tract, vessels.
• Cardiac muscle: Specialised, involuntary, only in heart.
• Clinical: Myopathies and neuromuscular diseases impair mobility.

🧠 Nervous System

• CNS: Brain & spinal cord → integration, control.
• PNS: Cranial & spinal nerves → communication with body.
• Clinical: Stroke, dementia, neuropathies highlight the importance of neural networks.

❤️ Cardiovascular System

• Heart: Central muscular pump.
• Vessels: Arteries (oxygen-rich), veins (return flow), capillaries (exchange).
• Clinical: Hypertension and atherosclerosis drive morbidity worldwide.

🌬️ Respiratory System

• Upper tract: Nose, pharynx, larynx → filter, humidify, phonation.
• Lower tract: Trachea, bronchi, lungs → alveolar gas exchange.
• Clinical: COPD, asthma, pneumonia → common in elderly & smokers.

🍽️ Digestive System

• GI tract: Oral cavity → esophagus → stomach → intestines.
• Accessory organs: Liver, pancreas, gallbladder aid digestion.
• Clinical: GERD, IBD, and malabsorption syndromes impact nutrition.

💧 Urinary System

• Kidneys: Filter blood, maintain electrolyte balance.
• Ureters, bladder, urethra: Transport and excrete urine.
• Clinical: CKD and UTIs are frequent geriatric presentations.

🧪 Endocrine System

• Hormone-secreting glands: pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas.
• Control metabolism, growth, reproduction.
• Clinical: Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders → common chronic conditions.

👩‍🍼 Reproductive System

• Male: Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, penis.
• Female: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.
• Clinical: Infertility, PCOS, prostate cancer are major issues.

🛡️ Integumentary System

• Skin, hair, nails, sweat & sebaceous glands.
• Barrier, thermoregulation, sensory reception.
• Clinical: Pressure sores & melanoma are vital considerations.

✅ Conclusion

Human anatomy underpins clinical practice: 🦴 Skeletal → support & movement. 🫀 Cardiovascular & 🧠 Nervous → integration & survival. 🍽️ Digestive, 💧 Urinary, 🧪 Endocrine → metabolism & homeostasis. 👩‍🍼 Reproductive & 🛡️ Integumentary → continuity & protection.

🔑 Take-home: Anatomy is not just structure → it’s the clinical map guiding diagnosis and treatment.