GRAY’S ANATOMY FOR STUDENTS

Anatomy includes those structures that can be seen grossly
(without the aid of magnification) and microscopically
(with the aid of magnification). Typically, when used by
itself, the term anatomy tends to mean gross or macroscopic
anatomy—that is, the study of structures that can be seen
without using a microscopic. Microscopic anatomy, also
called histology, is the study of cells and tissues using a
microscope.
Anatomy forms the basis for the practice of medicine.
Anatomy leads the physician toward an understanding of
a patient’s disease, whether he or she is carrying out a
physical examination or using the most advanced imaging
techniques. Anatomy is also important for dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and all others involved in any
aspect of patient treatment that begins with an analysis of
clinical signs. The ability to interpret a clinical observation
correctly is therefore the endpoint of a sound anatomical
understanding.
Observation and visualization are the primary techniques a student should use to learn anatomy. Anatomy is
much more than just memorization of lists of names.
Although the language of anatomy is important, the
network of information needed to visualize the position of
physical structures in a patient goes far beyond simple
memorization. Knowing the names of the various branches
of the external carotid artery is not the same as being able
to visualize the course of the lingual artery from its origin
in the neck to its termination in the tongue. Similarly,
understanding the organization of the soft palate, how it is
related to the oral and nasal cavities, and how it moves
during swallowing is very different from being able to recite
the names of its individual muscles and nerves. An understanding of anatomy requires an understanding of the
context in which the terminology can be remembered.