Gross anatomy is largely clinically oriented and in a sense can be termed clinical anatomy. A true understanding of gross anatomy depends upon the basic science of human structure; it depends upon knowing how apparently complex gross anatomy results from the very simple anatomy of the early
embryo; how that apparently complex anatomy is related to function, e.g. biomechanical function; and how complex anatomy is related to evolution. Gross anatomy forms the foundation for procedures in diagnosis and treatment, in radiology, surgery, obstetrics and other medical fields.