What are the branches of anatomy?

Anatomy is divided into two broad branches - macroscopic or gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.

Macroscopic or Gross Anatomy 

Macroscopic anatomy is the study of the body as a whole. It includes external and internal anatomical features that can be seen by the naked eye. 

Macroscopic anatomy can be further divided into three sub-fields: 

• Surface or superficial anatomy: Encompasses the study of external anatomical features that can be observed without dissection
• Regional anatomy: Focuses on specific external and internal body regions and the interaction and cooperation between different parts located in that region
• Systemic anatomy: Studies the different organ systems, such as the respiratory or circulatory systems, and their structures and functions 

Microscopic Anatomy

Microscopic anatomy is the study of constituents such as cells and tissues, which form larger structures. The individual constituents are invisible to the naked eye. This branch of anatomy relies on the use of histology and various types of microscopes. 

Microscopic anatomy can be further divided into two sub-fields:

• Histology: Focuses on observing the microscopic anatomy of biology tissues and the correlation between structure and function of various tissues
• Cytology: Studies anatomical features at the minutest level, examining specific cell types, typically from fluid specimens