Nursing Anatomy

The study of anatomy is vital to the nursing profession so as to fully understand how to provide care to the patient and why such care is being provided. One of the preliminary classes that nursing students take before they enter into their educational program is that of anatomy and physiology; the content of this course and the rigor that is expected of students therein often determines whether or not a person is a good fit for the profession in general. While elements of chemistry and nursing theory are presented in an anatomy course, the emphasis on the body and the various elements of its functioning makes up the foundational element of a nursing professional's education.

In addition to learning about the various systems of the body and their requisite components, including the neurological, reproductive, and lymphatic systems, students also learn how these systems interact with other parts of the body in order to function properly in pursuit of the goal of overall physical health. From cellular components to elements of the whole body, the material contained in a nursing anatomy course is vital to the day-to-day practices of a nursing professional.

While nurses are responsible for carrying out orders put forth by physicians, they are also essential in responding when a patient's condition changes. To that end, it is important that nursing professionals understand various conditions and how they impact the body; the underlying factors that cause these ailments must also be understood, as changes in a patient's condition can reflect further deterioration of these factors. If nurses understand how the body works when it is healthy, they can more easily identify problems linked to a body that is unhealthy and work to address them quickly, accurately, and effectively.