Superficial anatomy

Superficial anatomy (also called surface anatomy) is a descriptive science dealing with anatomical features that can be studied by sight, without dissecting an organism. In particular, in the case of human superficial anatomy, these are the form and proportions of the human body and the surface landmarks which correspond to deeper structures hidden from view, both in static pose and in motion. It is also called "visual anatomy".

In addition, the science of superficial anatomy includes the theories and systems of body proportions and related artistic canons.

Studying of superficial anatomy is the basis for depiction of human body in classic art.

Some pseudo-sciences such as physiognomy, phrenology and palmistry rely on superficial anatomy. (The relation is one-sided, like that of astrology to astronomy.)

This is a list of superficial anatomical features. That is to say, externally visible parts of the body in humans and animals.

Sorted roughly from cranial to caudal. Homologues share a bullet point and are separated by commas. Subcomponents are nested. Alternative names or category members in parentheses. Class in which component occurs in italic.

* Tentacle
*Head

Antler

Crest

Hood

Horn

Mane

Eyes

Ear

Snout

• Nose, TrunNostril

• Whiskers

• Beak Aves only, Mouth

• Lip not in Aves

• Philtrum

• Jaw not in Aves

• Gums not in Aves

• Teeth not in Aves, Tusk

• Tongue

*Throat

Adam's apple

Vocal sac Ranidae

* Spine (extends dorsally)

Tail

* Arm Mammalia, Amphibia, ..., Fin Fish, Wing Aves

Elbow

Wrist

Hand

+ Fingers (Thumb: Primate)

# Hoof, Claw, Nails

# Webbing

* Chest (roughly Thorax)

Gills

Breast Mammalia

* Abdomen (roughly Stomach)

Pouch Marsupialia

Genitals

+ In females

# Vulva

+ In males

# Penis

# Scrotum

* Leg

Thigh

Knee

+ Kneecap

Shin

Calf

Ankle

Foot

+ Toe

# Hoof

* Skin

Feather Aves, Scale Reptilia, Hair Mammalia

Shell