Anatomy Basics and Beyond
Written by: Molly Stauffer, OTR, CHT; Illustrations by: Cynthia Cano, OTR, CHT
Anatomy
The purpose of anatomy is to understand the practical aspects of the body and how it functions. It is the basis for understanding the hows and whys of therapy. A complex therapeutic matter in the orthopedic realm normally starts with an anatomical foundation. John A Crocco, MD said – "Anatomy is the gateway to medicine. It is the queen of the basic sciences". Anatomy is the study of human structure and its relationship between body parts; whereas, physiology is the study of the way body parts function together and the body as a whole. Gross anatomy is the study of body parts visible to the naked eye. For our discussion, we are going to begin with the hand and work proximally to the shoulder. This anatomy chapter will provide an overview of the upper extremity. Each chapter throughout this course has pertinent anatomy; therefore, greater anatomical detail will follow in additional chapters.
