Anatomy
Study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Anatomy and Disease
When Things Go Wrong: Anatomy in Disease
Anatomy isn't just about healthy bodies; it's key to understanding what happens when things go wrong.
Structural Changes
Many diseases cause changes in the structure of organs or tissues. For example, lungs damaged by smoking look very different from healthy lungs.
Diagnosing Problems
Doctors use knowledge of normal anatomy to spot injuries, infections, or tumors. Imaging tools (like X-rays and MRIs) help them see these changes.
Why It Matters
Knowing the normal shape and structure of body parts is essential for surgery, treatment, and even preventing disease.
Real-World Impact
Understanding anatomy helps create medicines, surgical techniques, and therapies that save lives every day.
Examples
Doctors detect broken bones using their knowledge of skeletal anatomy.
Examining heart tissue after a heart attack reveals damaged muscle fibers.
In a Nutshell
Anatomy helps us spot, understand, and treat diseases by showing what changes in the body.