What does surface anatomy study?

Surface anatomy is a branch of anatomy that focuses on the relationship between the skin and the underlying structures within the body. It involves the study of external features and how they correlate to deeper anatomical structures, which can include organs, muscles, and bones. By understanding surface anatomy, healthcare professionals can better assess, examine, and visualize internal anatomy based on surface landmarks. This knowledge is crucial for physical examinations, medical imaging, and surgical planning, as practitioners rely on surface cues to locate and evaluate underlying structures.

The other choices may relate to skin and anatomy but do not encapsulate the essence of surface anatomy specifically. The function of the skin, the layers of the skin, and changes in the skin with age are all important aspects of dermatology and general anatomy but do not focus on the relationship between the skin's surface and the internal structures it covers, which is the core of surface anatomy.