What does the term anatomy refer to?

The term anatomy specifically refers to the study of body structure. It encompasses the understanding of the organization and physical structure of living organisms, particularly humans, including their systems, organs, and tissues. Anatomy can be divided into several branches, such as gross anatomy, which deals with structures visible to the naked eye, and microscopic anatomy, which focuses on structures at the cellular level.

This definition is crucial because it forms the foundation for other medical disciplines such as physiology, which studies the functions of these structures, and pathology, which examines diseases affecting them. Understanding anatomy is essential for healthcare professionals to accurately assess and diagnose conditions based on structural knowledge.