The Basics

Overview

The fundamentals of human anatomy underpin every area of medical education and clinical practice. This section provides a structured introduction to the key concepts required to study the body effectively, including anatomical terminology, planes, movements and positional terms. It is designed to help learners develop a clear spatial understanding of human structure before moving into regional anatomy.

Key Structures

Within this section, you’ll explore the core building blocks of the body – the tissues, organs and systems that form its foundation. Articles cover connective tissue, cartilage, bone and muscle, as well as joint classification and movement principles. Additional pages introduce embryological development, histological organisation and the fundamentals of medical imaging, helping learners connect microscopic and macroscopic anatomy.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

A strong grasp of the basics supports accurate clinical reasoning, communication and examination skills. The content in this section provides the essential anatomical framework used to interpret pathology, understand surgical approaches and explain imaging findings. Each topic is written to support both independent study and teaching, making it a valuable starting point for healthcare professionals, medical students and educators alike.

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Learning Anatomy

  • Organs
  • Vascular System
  • +4 more

Anatomical Terms

  • Terms of Location in Embryology
  • Anatomical Terms of Movement
  • +3 more

Joints

  • Classification of Joints
  • Joint Stability
  • +1 more

Body Systems

  • The Sympathetic Nervous System
  • The Parasympathetic Nervous System
  • +1 more

Tissue Ultrastructure

  • The Hair Follicle
  • Ultrastructure of Skin
  • +4 more

Embryology

  • The Pituitary, Tongue and Thyroid
  • The Face and Palate
  • +12 more

Imaging Modalities

  • Plain Film X-Ray
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning
  • +1 more

Popular

Diagram showing the anatomical course of the femoral nerve and its two cutaneous branches: anterior cutaneous fibers and saphenous nerve.
Encyclopaedia

Anterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh

by Muhammed Owais Patel

Illustration of the superficial muscles of the anterior forearm, including Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Flexor Carpi Radialis, Palmaris Longus, and Pronator Teres.
Encyclopaedia

Palmaris Longus

by Dr Oliver Jones

Illustration of the superficial muscles of the back, highlighting their anatomical positions.
Encyclopaedia

Trapezius

by Aren Mnatzakanian