Anatomy is the study of organs and tissue structures in the human body, animals and other organisms. Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts. Anatomy is a branch of natural science dealing with the structural organization of living things. It is an old science, having its beginnings in prehistoric times. Anatomy is inherently tied to embryology, comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, and phylogeny, as these are the processes by which anatomy is generated over immediate (embryology) and long (evolution) timescales. Human anatomy is one of the basic essential sciences of medicine. Anatomy and physiology, which study (respectively) the structure and function of organisms and their parts, make a natural pair of related disciplines, and they are often studied together.
Anatomy is the scientific study of the structure of organisms including their systems, organs and tissues. It includes the appearance and position of the various parts, the materials from which they are composed, their locations and their relationships with other parts. Anatomy is quite distinct from physiology and biochemistry, which deal respectively with the functions of those parts and the chemical processes involved. For example, an anatomist is concerned with the shape, size, position, structure, blood supply and innervation of an organ such as the liver; while a physiologist is interested in the production of bile, the role of the liver in nutrition and the regulation of bodily functions.
Scope of Anatomy
The discipline of anatomy is divided into macroscopic and microscopic anatomy. Macroscopic anatomy, or gross anatomy, is the examination of an animal’s body parts using unaided eyesight. Gross anatomy also includes the branch of superficial anatomy. Microscopic anatomy involves the use of optical instruments in the study of the tissues of various structures, known as histology, and also in the study of cells.
Anatomy aims to publish manuscripts that study how molecules, cells and organs interact to form a whole being. This is an initiative in order to advance the knowledge of scientific community towards biological systems, essential to the development of new treatments for disease. The Archives of Anatomy impulse the scientists to research and publish key discoveries, ranging from how our nervous system works, how our cells divide and the way in which our reflexes alter our behavior. These will enhance the knowledge of our scientific community regarding biological systems and will help in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and heart disease.
Skills and Competencies needed to be Successful as Anatomy Graduate
- Good communication skills.
- The ability to organise and prioritise work.
- The ability to make clear and precise observations.
- Good problem solving ability.
- To work well under pressure.
- Scientific skills.
Career Opportunities for Anatomy Graduates
Most anatomists work in colleges, universities, or medical centers. They usually teach and do research. They help train scientists, as well as physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and other workers in the health field. Some work for government agencies or for medical and scientific publishing firms. Others are employed by private companies, such as firms that make artificial limbs or organs
Anatomists with a doctoral degree can advance to positions of assistant, associate, and full professor or to director of research in a university or medical center.
- Veterinarian: Examination of animals to diagnose and treat health problems, performing surgery, prescribing medication, administering vaccinations and treatment of injured animals.
- Medical Scientist: Medical scientists organize studies to investigate human diseases, develop procedures for medical applications and analyze medical samples.
- Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists examine the causes of diseases and public health problems.
- Chiropractor: Chiropractors treat patients with problems relating to the musculoskeletal system which consists of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
- Massage Therapist: Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body.
- Athletic Trainer: Athletic trainers aid in the prevention, analysis and emergency attention of medical conditions among athletes. Athletic trainers also help people avoid injuries by teaching them preventative stretches, exercises to improve strength and proper use of equipment.
Admission Requirements for Studying Anatomy in Nigeria
The O’level subject combination and requirements needed to study Anatomy;
You require;
Five SSCE credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
In UTME, please note that English Language is Compulsory for this course. Therefore, the three (3) other JAMB UTME subject combination needed to study Anatomy under the Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical & Health Sciences in the above Universities include;
Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
SOME INSTITUTIONS WHERE YOU CAN STUDY ANATOMY
- • Bauchi State University • Cross River State University of Technology • University of Calabar • University of Uyo
