Human Anatomy

(PART – 1)

The term anatomy is coined by Aristotle 2300 years back. It is derived from 2 Greek words. These two words are ANA and TOME. Here ANA means up and TOME means to cut. So, Anatomy means to cut up. Anatomy means dissection in Latin. Now let’s know the proper definition of anatomy. When we study various structures of the body from macroscopic level to the microscopic level, we call it as anatomy. Here comes the another term called HUMAN ANATOMY. So Human anatomy forms the firm foundation of the practice of the medicine. It is also known as the art of healing. In human anatomy we study the different structures by dissecting the cadavers. Cadavers are the preserved dead bodies.

• FATHER OF ANATOMY – HEROPHILUS
• FATHER OF MODERN ANATOMY – ANDREAS VESALIUS

The scientific name of human beings is Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens term was given by CARLOUS LINNAEUS. Human beings belong to phylum chordates [notochords, tubular nervous system, pharyngeal pouches]. These human beings are mammals also [mammary gland on breast, hair on body]. Human beings have highly developed brain. They have the ability to speak. They have erect posture. They move using 2 legs that is bipedal locomotion. Human beings have the ability to register a sense of 3 dimensional shape form from visual inputs. They possess prominent chin. They can touch each tip of the finger that is opposable thumb.

The length and weight of new born baby is 50cm and 3250-3500 gm respectively. The ratio of head to body is 1:4 and head to lower limb is 1:3. But in adults the ratio of head to body is 1:8. After birth, the head, trunk, upper limb, lower limb of the human body increase 2 times, 3 times, 4 times and 5 times respectively.

In human beings there are 3 types of body constitution. These are asthenic[thin], hypersthenic[fat], normosthenic[normal health].

History of ANATOMY:-

Anatomy is an old science. It is there since stone age. Egyptians were the first who started the process of Embalming. Embalming is the art of preserving dead bodies[cadaver]. Around 6 litres of chemicals enter the dead body and get dissolved in tissues. The chemicals that are used are FORMALIN, ETHANOL/METHANOL, CARBOLIC ACID, GLYCEROL, THYMOL. When a person goes out of station and due to some reason he dies. And if his family members want it to bring the dead body through airplane then they can bring it by showing the embalming certificate. In anatomy department formalin get dissolved to the tissues. Then a certificate get issued by district magistrate. And from district magistrate it goes to the embassy. Then it is allowed for transportation. There are some organs who get decomposed fast. These are known as putrifiable organs. There are also some organs who get decomposed late. These are known as nonputrifiable organs. Herophilus was the 1st person who started bodies of prisoners that is dissecting the living structure who took permissions from KING PTOLEMY SOLER in ALEXANDRIA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. Here comes the another term called VIVISECTION. VIVISECTION means living dissection. HEROPHILUS did 600 vivisections.

BURKE AND TIORE SCANDAL :-

This scandal took place in 1928. They committed 16 murders due to which various act came. WARBURTON ANATOMY ACT came in 1932. In all these type of acts, donating of body voluntarily takes place.

Contributor- Medico Abinash Jena