Scope of anatomy and physiology

https://med.libretexts.org/@app/auth/3/login?returnto=https%3A%2F%2Fmed.libretexts.org%2FBookshelves%2FAnatomy_and_Physiology%2FHuman_Anatomy_and_Physiology_Preparatory_Course_(Liachovitzky)%2F01%253A_Levels_of_Organization_of_the_Human_Organism%2F1.02%253A_What_is_Human_Anatomy_What_is_Human_Physiology \( \newcommand\) No headers Learning objectiveS • Define the terms anatomy and physiology, and give specific examples to show the interrelationship between anatomy and physiology Human Anatomy (ana- = “up”, tome = “to cut”) is often defined as the study of structures in the human body. Anatomy focuses on the description of form, or how body structures at different levels look. Gross anatomy studies macroscopic structures (for example, the body, organs, and organ systems), and histology studies microscopic structures (for example, tissues, cells, and organelles). Human Physiology (physio = “nature”; -logy = “study”) studies the “nature” of the human body, nature in the sense of how structures at different levels work. Physiology focuses on function, or how structures at different levels work. Anatomy and physiology are intimately related. A hand is able to grab things (function) because the length, shape, and mobility of the fingers (form) determine what things a hand can grab (function). A muscle contracts and brings bones together (function) due to the arrangement of muscles and bones, and the arrangement of organelles inside of muscle cells (form) determines how much and ...

Physiology is the study of normal function within living creatures. It is a sub-section of biology, covering a range of topics that include organs, anatomy, cells, biological compounds, and how they all interact to make life possible. From ancient theories to molecular laboratory techniques, physiological research has shaped our understanding of the components of our body, how they communicate, and how they keep us alive. Merrian-Webster defines physiology as: “[A] branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (such as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved.” Here are some key points about physiology. More detail and supporting information is in the main article. • Physiology can be considered a study of the functions and processes that create life. • The study of physiology can be traced back to at least 420 BC. • The study of physiology is split into many disciplines covering topics as different as exercise, evolution, and defense. Share on Pinterest Physiology covers a multitude of disciplines within human biology and beyond. The study of physiology is, in a sense, the study of life. It asks questions about the internal workings of organisms and how they interact with the world around them. Physiology tests how organs and systems within the body work, how they communicate, and how they combine their efforts to make conditions favorable for survival. Human physiology, specifically, is of...