A complete study note on General Anatomy for MBBS First Year, as per standard Indian medical curriculum (NMC/previous MCI syllabus).
- Full theory notes
- Common Q&A
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Self-test questions (Short answer/Long answer)
🦴 INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY
🔹 Definition
Anatomy is the branch of medicine that deals with the structure of the human body. It is broadly divided into:
- Gross Anatomy
- Histology (Microscopic)
- Embryology
- Surface Anatomy
- Radiological Anatomy
- Clinical Anatomy
🔹 Anatomical Position
- Standing erect
- Arms by the side
- Palms facing forward
- Feet slightly apart
- Eyes looking straight ahead
🧍♂️ BRANCHES OF ANATOMY
| Branch |
Description |
| Gross Anatomy |
Study of structures visible to naked eye |
| Microscopic Anatomy (Histology) |
Study under microscope |
| Embryology |
Development of embryo & fetus |
| Surface Anatomy |
External landmarks |
| Radiological Anatomy |
Study using imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) |
| Clinical Anatomy |
Applied aspects in clinical practice |
🗺️ PLANES AND TERMS
| Term |
Meaning |
| Sagittal Plane |
Divides body into left and right |
| Coronal Plane |
Divides body into front (anterior) & back (posterior) |
| Transverse Plane |
Divides into upper (superior) & lower (inferior) parts |
Directional Terms:
- Anterior ↔ Posterior
- Superior ↔ Inferior
- Medial ↔ Lateral
- Proximal ↔ Distal
- Superficial ↔ Deep
🧬 TISSUES OF BODY
1. Epithelial Tissue
- Covers body surfaces, lines cavities
- Types: Squamous, Cuboidal, Columnar, Transitional
2. Connective Tissue
- Supports and binds tissues
- Types: Loose (areolar), Dense, Cartilage, Bone, Blood
3. Muscle Tissue
- Responsible for movement
- Types: Skeletal, Cardiac, Smooth
4. Nervous Tissue
- Transmits electrical signals
- Found in brain, spinal cord, nerves
🔧 STRUCTURE OF BONES
| Type |
Example |
| Long bones |
Femur, Humerus |
| Short bones |
Carpal bones |
| Flat bones |
Skull, Ribs |
| Irregular bones |
Vertebrae |
| Sesamoid bones |
Patella |
Bone Parts:
- Diaphysis, Epiphysis, Metaphysis
- Periosteum, Endosteum
- Medullary cavity
💉 BLOOD SUPPLY & INNERVATION
- End arteries: Arteries with no anastomoses
- Veins: Superficial and deep
- Lymphatics: Drain interstitial fluid
- Nerves: Sensory and motor supply
⚙️ JOINTS
| Type |
Subtypes |
Examples |
| Fibrous |
Sutures |
Skull |
| Cartilaginous |
Symphysis |
Pubic symphysis |
| Synovial |
Hinge, Ball & Socket |
Elbow, Shoulder |
❤️🩹 CLINICAL ANATOMY TIPS
- Fractures → Disruption in bone continuity
- Dislocations → Bone displacement from joint
- Hernia → Organ protrusion
- Bursitis → Inflammation of bursa
- Lymphadenopathy → Enlarged lymph nodes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Theory)
Q1. Define Anatomy. What are its branches?
→ Anatomy is the study of structure of human body. Its branches include gross anatomy, histology, embryology, clinical anatomy, radiological anatomy, etc.
Q2. Classify bones with examples.
→ Long bones (humerus), short bones (carpals), flat bones (skull), irregular bones (vertebra), sesamoid bones (patella).
Q3. Name the types of joints with examples.
→ Fibrous – sutures in skull
Cartilaginous – intervertebral discs
Synovial – shoulder (ball and socket)
Q4. Define anatomical position.
→ Standing upright, arms at sides, palms forward, feet apart, eyes forward.
✅ Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following is a long bone?
a) Scapula
b) Vertebra
c) Femur ✅
d) Patella
- Which plane divides the body into left and right parts?
a) Coronal
b) Transverse
c) Sagittal ✅
d) Frontal
- Which tissue lines blood vessels?
a) Cuboidal
b) Squamous ✅
c) Columnar
d) Transitional
- Which of the following is NOT a synovial joint?
a) Hinge
b) Pivot
c) Symphysis ✅
d) Ball & socket
- Which bone is a sesamoid bone?
a) Radius
b) Tibia
c) Patella ✅
d) Clavicle
✍️ Self-Test Questions
🔹 Short Answer Questions (3–5 marks)
- Name four types of connective tissue.
- Define anatomical position and planes.
- Classify synovial joints.
- Write a short note on periosteum.
🔹 Long Answer Questions (8–10 marks)
- Describe classification and structure of bones with diagrams.
- Explain different types of joints with examples.
- Describe histological features of epithelial tissues.
- Discuss clinical importance of lymphatic drainage.
📚 Suggested Books
- BD Chaurasia’s Human Anatomy Vol 1 (General Anatomy + Upper Limb)
- Vishram Singh – General Anatomy
- Inderbir Singh – General Anatomy
