Human Anatomy and Physiology - I. V. Gayvoronsky 2011

Introduction

Anatomy is the science of the forms and structures of Organs, Organ Systems, and The Human Body as a whole, examined through the lens of development, functional capacity, and continuous interaction with the external environment.

The name of the discipline—human anatomy—originates from the Greek word anatemno, meaning to dissect or cut up. Reflecting on the etymology makes it clear that this foundational research method gave the discipline its name.

It is important to emphasize that the human body as a whole is a highly complex living biological system. Consequently, its study must proceed from simple to complex—moving from individual organs and organ systems to the integrated Organism. Only by synthesizing all acquired knowledge regarding the anatomy and physiology of organ systems can we form a comprehensive understanding of the human body as a unified Structure.

Studying human anatomy from a developmental perspective implies an understanding of both phylogenesis (the Evolution of the animal kingdom) and ontogenesis (individual development). This approach provides insight into individual Variability and developmental anomalies. Individual variability refers to deviations from the most frequently observed statistical averages of the norm.

Given the above, the question arises: what constitutes the norm? The norm is the optimal range of structural Organization within which the body remains healthy and fully performs its Functions. Consequently, statistical averages for any given parameter represent merely the midpoint of the normal range. For example, the average height for adult males is 172 cm. Deviations within the normal range are termed "Variants of the norm." For instance, the normal height range for men spans from 150 to 195 cm.

A developmental defect (malformation) refers to persistent morphological or functional alterations of an organ or organism resulting from impaired Development of the embryo, fetus, or postnatal organ formation. A developmental defect that causes bodily disfigurement detectable upon external examination is termed a deformity (or anomaly of form). A developmental anomaly (minor malformation) is a persistent deviation in The structure of an organ or organ system that does not cause functional impairments under normal conditions, yet frequently leads to cosmetic defects or predisposes the individual to disease, particularly when exposed to extreme environmental factors.

The STRUCTURE OF THE organs and organ systems of the human body is determined primarily by genetic factors inherited from parents. Structural organization is also significantly modified by functional loads. Furthermore, the normal structure of the organism depends on the absence of adverse environmental factors (mechanical—such as pressure, vibration, and noise; physical—such as Temperature and ionizing radiation; chemical—various chemical compounds, alcohol, narcotics, etc.).

Physiology is the science of the functions of living biological systems (individual Cells, organs, organ systems, and the organism as a whole), the processes occurring within them, and the mechanisms regulating these processes.

First and foremost, it must be noted that there is no structure in a living organism that does not perform a specific function. The integration (interaction) of specifically functioning structures gives rise to a new quality—a functional process. A prime example is The activity of the Digestive System, in which each organ, owing to its structural features, performs a strictly defined function, while their concerted (integrative) activity ensures the unified process of Digestion.

Physiology, hand in hand with anatomy, forms the foundation of modern biomedical disciplines. These are fundamental sciences within The system of medical education, constituting the theoretical basis of medical knowledge. The primary objectives of anatomy and physiology are to build a comprehensive understanding of The Structure of the human body and the functions of its organs and systems, enabling interventions aimed at preserving and strengthening human health, as well as correcting pathological deviations from normal vital processes.