The term „anatomy” derives from the ancient Greek meaning „to dissect“. As in veterinary anatomy human anatomy is subdivided into macroscopic (or gross) and microscopic anatomy.

Macroscopic anatomy describes structures, organs, muscles, bones etc. which are visible to the naked eye, that is macroscopic. In order to establish a certain order they are divided topographically and systematically.

Microscopic human anatomy is the „study of tissues“, that is histology. It may be further separated into cytology, the pure study of cells. In contrast to macroscopic anatomy you require – as the name suggests - an optical magnification in order to evaluate microscopic (e.g. cellular) structures.