adjective

anatomic

an-uh-TAH-mik/ˌænʌtˈɑmɪk/

Relating to the structure of the body.

The opened torso model reveals the anatomic arrangement of ribs and internal organs.

An unlabelled anatomical torso model with one side opened to reveal the rib cage and internal organs, showing how the body's structures fit together.

Etymology

anaGreekup

+tomGreekto cut

+icGreekrelating to

The underlying image is “cutting up”: dissection revealed how bodies were organized. The adjective relates to the bodily structure studied through that process, rather than necessarily to the act of cutting.

In context

Rahul Damania, MD28:43

during that fall on the outstretched hand is going to be the scaffoid and the clues related to this carpal bone injury is going to be the tenderness in the anatomic snuff box.

HyGuru | USMLE Step 1: 100 Concepts in Gross Anatomy

More examples

The surgeon reviews the patient's anatomic differences.
Students learn the anatomic relationships among the organs.
The scan provides precise anatomic detail.

Forms

anatomy noun — The structure of bodies and its study.

Similar words

anatomical: The more common adjective for the same structural meaning.
structural: Broader; need not concern a living body.