What is anatomy?

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and the relationship of organs and tissues at a gross (whole organ) and microscopic level (histology). It forms the basis of studies in physiology, biochemistry and related biomedical sciences. Sub-disciplines of anatomy include: developmental biology (embryology), neuroanatomy, osteology (bones) and cell biology.

Developmental Biology is the study of how cells and tissues differentiate into functional organs and organisms, for example how limbs form in the proper places. Topics in cell biology include sorting and trafficking of subcellular components and regulation of cell division. Sound anatomical knowledge is required in a range of professions, general medicine, surgery, radiography, physiotherapy, pathology and forensic science. It has application in basic and applied medical sciences:

• Developmental biology - disorders of normal development e.g. Siamese twins and the influence of substances on development
• Sports Science and Biomedicine - how muscle groups are recruited in different sports e.g. power (weight lifting) and aerobic (marathon running) events and the best strategy for optimal recovery following injury
• Cancer - most human cancers originate in the cells that cover or line organs, and a better understanding of these tissues will improve our identification, understanding and treatment of common cancers
• Design of ergonomic resources ranging from ejection seats for fighter pilots to computer keyboards

Why should I think about getting a degree in anatomical sciences?

• The subject is about structures and their relationships to function from the macroscopic to microscopic levels of organization
• It is fundamental to many other aspects of the biomedical sciences
• It provides a good general university training, ranging from classical gross anatomy to post genomic molecular and cell biology
• It can be used as the basis for further postgraduate specialized study and training in many areas

What can an anatomical sciences graduate do?

Anatomy and Cell Biology are rapidly growing areas and offer a wide range of career and further training opportunities:

• Medical and applied research e.g. in universities, research institutes or the pharmaceutical industry
• Medical and allied professions welcome Anatomy graduates e.g. in medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, nursing, radiography, health education.

Degrees

BSc (Hons) Anatomical Sciences
BSc (Hons) Anatomical & Physiological Sciences

Further information - useful web sites:

• The Anatomical Society: http://www.anatsoc.org.uk
• British Society for Developmental Biology: http://www.ana.ed.ac.uk
• The Royal Microscopical Society: http://www.rms.org.uk
• American Association of Clinical Anatomists: http://www.clinicalanatomy.org
• British Association of Clinical Anatomists: http://www.liv.ac.uk/HumanAnatomy/phd/baca
• Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists: http://www.anzaca.co.nz
• American Association of Anatomists: http://www.anatomy.org

Course contact:

Dr Roger Soames