Anatomy

Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that studies the structure and systems within a living thing. It is a general term that includes both humanoid and non-humanoid anatomy (often lumped together as "sentient anatomy"), zootomy, and phytotomy. In some of its facets anatomy is closely related to embryology, comparative anatomy and physical anthropology, through common roots in evolution.

Anatomy is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy is the study of anatomical structures that can, when suitably presented or dissected, be seen by unaided vision with the naked eye. Microscopic anatomy is the study of minute anatomical structures on a microscopic scale. It includes histology (the study of tissues), and cytology (the study of cells). The terms microanatomy and histology are also sometimes used synonymously (in which case the distinction between histology and cell biology isn't strictly made as described here).

The history of anatomy has been characterized, over time, by a continually developing understanding of the functions of organs and structures in the body. Methods have also improved dramatically, advancing from examination of animals through dissection of cadavers to technologically complex techniques developed in the 20th century including X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI. Modern biosensors and medical scanners can now display and catalog systems even on the psionic level.