Superficial anatomy

Superficial anatomy is a descriptive science dealing with anatomical features that can be studied by sight, without dissectingan organism. In particular, in the case of human anatomy, these are the form and proportions of the human body and the surface landmarks which correspond to deeper structures hidden from view, both in static pose and in motion. It is also called "visual anatomy".

In addition, the science of superficial anatomy includes the theories and systems of body proportionsand related artistic canons.

Studying of superficial anatomy is the basis for depiction of human body in classic art.

Some pseudo-sciences such as physical anthropology, physiognomy, phrenologyand palmistryrely on superficial anatomy. (The relation is one-sided, like that of astrology to astronomy.)

This is a list of superficial anatomical features. That is to say, externally visible parts of the body in humansand animals.

Sorted roughly from cranialto caudal. Homologuesshare a bullet point and are separated by commas. Subcomponents are nested. Alternative names or category members in parentheses. Class in which component occurs in italic.

• Tentacle Cephalopoda

• Head
  • Antler
  • Crest
  • Hood
  • Horn
  • Mane
  • Eyes
  • Ear
  • Snout
    • Nose, Trunk
      • Nostril
    • Whiskers
    • BeakAvesonly, Mouth
      • Lipnot in Aves
      • Jawnot in Aves
        • Gumsnot in Aves
        • Teethnot in Aves, Tusk
      • Tongue

• Throat
  • Adam's apple
  • Vocal sacRanidae

• Spine(extends dorsally)
  • Tail

• ArmMammalia, Amphibia, ..., FinFish, WingAves
  • Elbow
  • Wrist
  • Hand
    • Fingers(ThumbPrimata)
      • Hoof, Claw, Nails
      • Webbing

• Chest(roughly Thorax)
  • Gills
  • BreastMammalia

• Abdomen(roughly Stomach)
  • PouchMarsupialia
  • Genitals
    • In females
      • Vulva
    • In males
      • Penis
      • Scrotum

• Leg
  • Thigh
  • Knee
    • Kneecap
  • Shin
  • Calf
  • Ankle
  • Foot
    • Toe
      • Hoof

• Skin
  • FeatherAves, ScaleReptilia, HairMammalia
  • Shell

Not yet assigned a location

• Pastern

See also

• Anatomy

Books: Drawing the Living Figure by Joseph Sheppard, ISBN 0-486-26723-7

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superficial+anatomy Wikipedia article Superficial anatomy.