Here is a clean, exam-friendly **“Introduction to Anatomy”** for **DHMS 2nd Year** students — simple language, clear headings, and suitable for notes.
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# **Introduction to Anatomy
For DHMS 2nd Year**
## **What is Anatomy?**
**Anatomy** is the branch of biological science that deals with the **structure** of the human body.
It tells us **what** the body looks like, **how** different organs are arranged, and **where** they are located.
In homeopathy and medical sciences, anatomy helps students understand the **basis of pathology, symptom development, disease localization**, and how remedies act on different organs.
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# **Branches of Anatomy**
## **1. Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic Anatomy)**
Study of body parts visible to the **naked eye**.
Examples:
* Bones
* Muscles
* Heart
* Lungs
* Liver
### Subdivisions:
* **Regional Anatomy:** Study of body by regions (abdomen, thorax, head & neck).
* **Systemic Anatomy:** Study of body systems (digestive system, respiratory system).
* **Surface Anatomy:** Study of external features and landmarks.
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## **2. Microscopic Anatomy**
Study of structures under a **microscope**.
### Includes:
* **Histology:** Study of tissues
* **Cytology:** Study of cells
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## **3. Developmental Anatomy (Embryology)**
Studies the **formation and development** of a human from fertilization to birth.
Helps understand congenital abnormalities (birth defects).
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## **4. Radiological Anatomy**
Study of body structures through imaging:
* X-ray
* CT scan
* MRI
* Ultrasound
Used for diagnosis and anatomical study.
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## **5. Clinical Anatomy**
Application of anatomy in clinical practice.
Examples:
* Location of pulse points
* Sites for injections
* Understanding fractures
* Organ enlargement
This is especially important for DHMS students during case-taking and diagnosis.
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# **Levels of Structural Organization of the Human Body**
The body is organized in **six levels**:
1. **Chemical Level** – atoms & molecules
2. **Cellular Level** – basic unit of life
3. **Tissue Level** – group of similar cells
4. **Organ Level** – structures made of multiple tissues
5. **System Level** – organs working together
6. **Organism Level** – complete human body
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# **Basic Anatomical Terms**
## **Anatomical Position**
* Standing upright
* Facing forward
* Arms at side
* Palms facing forward
* Feet slightly apart
All anatomical descriptions are based on this position.
## **Anatomical Directions**
* **Superior / Inferior** – above / below
* **Anterior / Posterior** – front / back
* **Medial / Lateral** – towards midline / away
* **Proximal / Distal** – closer / farther from point of attachment
* **Superficial / Deep** – near the surface / away from the surface
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# **Body Planes**
* **Sagittal Plane:** Divides body left & right
* **Coronal Plane:** Divides body front & back
* **Transverse Plane:** Divides body upper & lower
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# **Body Cavities**
Main cavities:
1. **Cranial cavity** – brain
2. **Thoracic cavity** – heart & lungs
3. **Abdominal cavity** – stomach, liver, intestines
4. **Pelvic cavity** – bladder, reproductive organs
These cavities protect organs and allow movement and expansion.
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# **Importance of Anatomy in DHMS**
* Helps understand **locations of symptoms** (e.g., liver pain, heart palpitations).
* Improves **case-taking** accuracy.
* Essential for understanding **physiology, pathology, and organ remedies**.
* Strong foundation for **clinical practice** (palpation, observation).
* Helps interpret signs like swelling, inflammation, fractures, and organ enlargement.
