Anatomy is a subject which requires a lot of spatial intelligence, the ability to read and understand how structures are arranged in a three-dimensional space. The process of understanding becomes quite easy when done in combination with 3D models , pictures and cadaveric dissection. Memorizing, however, is more effectively done when reading the subject matter. Anatomists have done a great job of emphasizing the shapes and forms of structures in the body in great detail, most of which often go unnoticed when you examine real life models. To learn this as a subject the best way to learn is to read and understand and then confirm with pictures, real life models or cadavers dissection.

The body is divided Into various compartments, for the convenience of describing and remembering structures within the body. The relationship of the structures are described in relation to each other in standard anatomical terms. These terms are discussed in detail in the Anatomical Terminology article.

When discussing structures in relation to each other, it becomes quite difficult to do so considering the fact that the body is very flexible and therefore, the location of structures in relation to one another varies greatly with the position of the body. (E.g. : when lying down, standing up, etc.) Consequently, in the early 19th century, a committee established by the anatomical society, defined the anatomical position. More detail on the anatomical position will be discussed in The Anatomical Position article.