Anatomy and Physiology 2e: Chapter 1
I’m new to anatomy
Start with the body’s basic organization and shared vocabulary.
Start with: Anatomy and Physiology 2e: Chapter 1
RedLectern topic
Anatomy
A foundation in human body structures, anatomical language, tissues, and organ systems.
For: Learners at different starting points, from curious beginners to students refreshing core anatomy.
After this page you can: Describe body structures with standard anatomical terms and choose a path for further study.
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About Anatomy
Anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures, from microscopic tissues to larger organs and body regions. It connects naturally with physiology, which studies how body structures work, and with biology's broader study of living things.
Anatomy is studied by observing and measuring structures at different scales, examining tissues under a microscope, and using dissection or medical imaging to investigate relationships inside the body. You can approach it region by region, such as the abdomen, or system by system, such as the nervous system. Start with shared structural levels and anatomical language, then follow the area that best matches your goal.
Start here
Anatomical Terminology
I’m refreshing the basics
Review directional terms and the planes used to describe sections of the body.
Start with: Anatomical Terminology
Introduction to Neuroanatomy
I have a specific goal: the brain
Follow a focused route into the structures of the nervous system.
Start with: Introduction to Neuroanatomy
Learn the foundations
1.Build from tissues to organsBody structures can be studied across levels of organization, and tissues combine to form organs.
Body structures can be studied across levels of organization, and tissues combine to form organs.
- Types of Tissues
This section introduces the four broad tissue categories and histology, the microscopic study of tissue.
Tissue
A group of cells that work together for a specific function.
Organ
A distinct body structure composed of two or more tissue types.
Try it
Put these in order from simpler to more complex: organ, tissue, organ system.
Tissue, organ, organ system.
2.Describe position and orientationStandard anatomical position and directional terms help describe where body structures are in relation to one another.
Standard anatomical position and directional terms help describe where body structures are in relation to one another.
- Medical Imaging
This section surveys medical imaging techniques used to view structures inside the body.
Anatomical position
The standardized upright body position used as a reference when describing the body.
Sagittal plane
A vertical plane that divides the body or an organ into right and left sides.
Try it
Which plane divides the body into upper and lower portions?
The transverse plane.
3.Explore the skeletonThe skeleton is made of living bone tissue, and bone shape is one way to classify skeletal structures.
The skeleton is made of living bone tissue, and bone shape is one way to classify skeletal structures.
- Bone Classification
This section classifies bones by shape and relates the categories to their functions.
Long bone
A bone whose shape is longer than it is wide.
Flat bone
A typically thin, often curved bone that can provide muscle attachment and protect organs.
Try it
Name one example of a long bone and one example of a flat bone.
The femur is a long bone, and the sternum is a flat bone.
4.Map the organ systemsOrgans work together in systems, and many organs contribute to more than one system.
Organs work together in systems, and many organs contribute to more than one system.
- Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
This section contrasts anatomy and physiology and introduces regional and systemic approaches to anatomy.
Organ system
A group of organs that work together to perform major body functions or meet physiological needs.
Homeostasis
The maintenance of steady internal conditions by living things.
Try it
Give one example of an organ system and name one organ in it.
The cardiovascular system includes the heart.
5.Continue into neuroanatomyStudying nervous system structures helps explain how distinct regions relate to bodily functions.
Studying nervous system structures helps explain how distinct regions relate to bodily functions.
- Introduction to the Nervous System
This chapter introduces nervous system structures and their relationship to voluntary and involuntary functions.
Neuroanatomy
The study of the structures of the nervous system.
Localization of function
The idea that particular structures are responsible for particular functions.
Try it
In one phrase, identify the two broad divisions named in the OpenStax nervous system introduction.
Somatic (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary) functions.
Latest
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Books
- Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice
Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice
Susan Standring (editor) · 2020
A detailed reference spanning body regions and related anatomical fields.
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
Gray's Anatomy for Students
Richard L. Drake, A. Wayne Vogl, and Adam W. M. Mitchell · 2023
A student-focused text whose review highlights its concise explanations, illustrations, and neuroanatomy coverage.
- Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy: Classic Regional Approach
Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy: Classic Regional Approach
Frank H. Netter · 2022
A regional visual companion, with illustrations emphasizing anatomical relationships important in clinical learning.
- Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy
Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy
Arthur F. Dalley II and Anne M. R. Agur · 2026
Its regional anatomy coverage emphasizes physical examination, imaging interpretation, and clinical applications.
- Sobotta Atlas of Anatomy, Volume 1: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System
Sobotta Atlas of Anatomy, Volume 1: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System
Friedrich Paulsen and Jens Waschke (editors) · 2023
Pairs course-listed atlas coverage with a volume focused on general and musculoskeletal anatomy.
Every free Anatomy course and book on RedLectern
Free Anatomy online courses
- Intensive NeuroanatomyMIT 9.913-A · Browse materials
- Introduction to NeuroanatomyMIT 9.97 · Browse materials
How these courses are chosen
Of the courses with “anatomy” in their title or in a topic tag, these are listed as Anatomy courses:
- those whose title contains “Anatomy” or “neuroanatomy”, or
- those tagged “Anatomy” as one of at most 2 topic tags, or as the first of 3.
Free Anatomy textbooks and books
- Nehemiah Grew · Read here →
- J. Gordon Betts · Read at openstax.org ↗
- J. Gordon Betts · Read at openstax.org ↗
- Henry Gray · Read at en.wikisource.org ↗
- J. Brown · Read at wtcs.pressbooks.pub ↗