Definition and scope of anatomy and physiology
.Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the structure and organization of living organisms. It encompasses the study of the body’s internal and external structures and their relationships to one another. Human anatomy, in particular, focuses on the structure of the human body.
Anatomy can be divided into several subfields:
-
Gross anatomy: Also known as macroscopic anatomy, this involves the examination of structures visible to the naked eye. It includes the study of organs, tissues, and organ systems.
-
-
Microscopic anatomy: Also called histology, this involves the study of tissues and cells under a microscope. It examines the structure and function of cells and tissues at a microscopic level.
-
-
Developmental anatomy: This field focuses on the changes in structure that occur from conception through adulthood. It studies how organisms grow and develop, including embryology (the study of embryos and their development).
-
-
Comparative anatomy: This involves comparing the anatomy of different species to understand evolutionary relationships and adaptations. It seeks to identify similarities and differences in structure across species.
-
-
Functional anatomy: Also known as physiological anatomy, this field examines the relationship between structure and function within the body. It investigates how anatomical structures enable various physiological processes.
-
-
Pathological anatomy: This involves the study of structural changes in tissues and organs caused by disease. It helps in understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases and their effects on the body.
Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts. It focuses on how living organisms, from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular organisms like humans, function and maintain homeostasis.
Key aspects of physiology include:
-
Cellular physiology: Examines the functions of cells, including how they carry out processes such as metabolism, reproduction, and response to stimuli.
-
Organ physiology: Studies the functions of specific organs within the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. It explores how these organs work individually and in coordination with each other to maintain overall health.
-
Systemic physiology: Focuses on the functions of organ systems within the body, such as the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, and endocrine system. It examines how these systems work together to regulate various physiological processes and maintain internal balance.
-
Pathophysiology: Investigates the abnormal functioning of the body and its organs due to disease or injury. It explores the underlying mechanisms of diseases and their effects on physiological processes.
-
Comparative physiology: Compares the physiological processes of different species to understand evolutionary adaptations and biological diversity.