Human Anatomy and Physiology - I. V. Gayvoronsky 2011

Subject and Research Methods
Subject and Methods of Anatomical Research

The subject of anatomical study is the living human. However, to understand the complex Structure of individual Organs and systems, dissection and preparation are necessary. Naturally, such studies cannot be performed on a living person, so anatomists must conduct their training using cadavers and anatomical specimens. Thus, the classic Latin maxim holds true: «mortui vivos docent», meaning «the dead teach the living».

It is important to remember that all knowledge gained from non-living objects must be interpreted in relation to the living human and, above all, applied to oneself. For example, one should palpate all bony landmarks and Muscles, determine the pathways of Blood Vessels and nerves, and locate the projections of Internal Organs.

To reinforce knowledge acquired through visual observation, it is essential to Complement it with modern morphological Research Methods used in clinical practice. These include radiography, echolocation, computed tomography, Magnetic Resonance imaging, as well as light, contact, and Electron Cell/15.html">Microscopy. These research techniques make it possible to evaluate organ structure in a living person. In this regard, the Latin saying can be rephrased: «vivos docent vivos» — «the living teach the living». Today, studying anatomy solely at a descriptive macro-microscopic level is no longer sufficient. The STRUCTURE OF THE human body must be understood comprehensively across all levels: macroscopic, macro-microscopic, and microscopic.

To study the complex human body, anatomy employs the following methodologies: in vivo (vital), post-mortem, microscopic, and experimental.

In vivo methods include the following:

1) anthropometry — measuring various parts of The Human Body, height, weight, and other parameters to assess Human Development and compare it with statistical averages;

2) X-ray anatomy (radiography, tomography, electro-roentgenography);

3) echolocation (ultrasound research methods);

4) computed tomography;

5) magnetic resonance imaging;

6) endoscopy — the examination of internal organ cavities using a specialized optical instrument, the endoscope;

7) somatoscopy — the visual inspection and Palpation of anatomical structures on a living person.

Post-mortem examinations involve the following methods:

1) regional autopsy and dissection;

2) embalming of individual organs and entire bodies;

3) body part sections (Pirogov's method) or organ slicing;

4) injection of the organ vascular bed with coloring masses (used to study blood supply sources and restore the natural color of the organ);

5) injection of hollow organs with Setting masses followed by maceration of the surrounding tissue using acid or alkali (a method for producing corrosion casts used to study cavity shapes and the relief of the intra-organ vascular bed);

6) preparation of dry specimens using Gruber and Schor's method, etc.;

7) tissue clearing;

8) polymer embalming of organs and entire bodies, utilizing medical-grade polymers as the embalming agent.

Microscopic methods for examining the human body include the following:

1) histotopography — the preparation of sections of internal organs or body parts, staining, and mounting them in polymers or setting media;

2) light and electron microscopy;

3) contact microscopy.

Experimental methods involve animal experimentation—examining and studying the Functions of internal organs, as well as modeling various conditions and diseases to investigate the resulting changes.