Anatomy is the branch of science concerned with studying the structure of the living body, especially by its dissection and the separation of its parts. It is one of the main cornerstones of medical education.
One must learn the normal before one can recognize the abnormal. Thus, the study of anatomy is crucial for the proper understanding of many different subjects, both basic and clinical.
Anatomy must be mastered before or simultaneously with Physiology, as one cannot learn how an organ functions without knowing how it is structured or composed. It is also crucial for the study and execution of surgery. Surgeons require a vast and detailed comprehension of anatomy in order to properly locate, dissect, evaluate, and extract specific body parts!
On a daily basis, medical students and physicians perform physical examinations and basic procedures, none of which carry any significance without an appreciation of what lies underneath!