Anatomy is so complex the textbooks break it down into separate chunks to explain it. The concepts are easier to understand that way, but it makes it harder to see the body as an integrated whole, or relate any of it to a real live human being. I have to remind myself how important anatomy is, otherwise I’d give up.

Why is it important? Firstly, learning about the amazing interplay of diverse elements working to support us helps us appreciate our body and look after it better. Secondly, if you ever get ill and don’t know basic anatomy and physiology you could be at a disadvantage. You might be motivated to find out about your particular disease, but it probably isn’t the best time to start learning when you’re sick.

Also, when you’re ill there is often a sense of powerlessness because you don’t feel in control. Lack of knowledge about how your body works can add to the feeling of helplessness. Doctor’s explain things, but you don’t understand.

More worryingly, if you don’t follow what the doctor is saying, he or she might not explain all the available treatments and you end up with less choice. As long as you have basic knowledge and know where to find out more, you are more likely to pick up the bits you need in an emergency.

I was discussing my blog with a friend who had first hand experience of what I was talking about. She recently had pneumonia, and because she didn’t know enough about the body to understand what the doctor told her, she was going to have to go to hospital.

Then it became clear that her husband understood what was needed and the doctor agreed she could stay at home. She is sure she wouldn’t have recovered as quickly in hospital and she would have been separated from her young child.

Since learning anatomy, she has been back to the doctor for a blood test and this time she understood the results.