Anatomy and Physiology Basics

Anatomy and physiology are two interrelated scientific fields that study the human body, its structures, and their functions. Anatomy focuses on the structures of the body, while physiology looks at the functions of these structures and how they work together to maintain life.

Anatomy

Anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures. It involves the identification, description, and analysis of the body's organs, tissues, and cells. It can be studied at different levels of magnification, from gross anatomy, which focuses on larger structures visible without the aid of a microscope, to microscopic anatomy, which examines structures that can only be observed with a microscope.

Gross Anatomy

Gross anatomy, also known as macroscopic anatomy, is the study of the larger structures of the body. It is typically taught using cadavers or computer-assisted imaging techniques, allowing clinicians to visualize structures inside the living body.

Microscopic Anatomy

Microscopic anatomy, also known as histology, is the study of structures that can be observed only with the use of a microscope or other magnification devices. It includes cytology, the study of cells, and histology, the study of tissues.

Physiology

Physiology is the scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and the ways in which these structures work together to maintain life. It focuses on the functions of body systems, such as the digestive system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system.

Systemic Physiology

Systemic physiology is the study of the body's systems. It involves understanding how the body's systems work together to maintain homeostasis, the state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Neurophysiology

Neurophysiology is the study of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and how these work together to perform functions as complex and diverse as vision, movement, and thinking.

Specializations

Anatomists and physiologists typically specialize in a particular branch of their field, such as neurophysiology, regional anatomy, or systemic physiology. They may work from the organ level, exploring what different parts of the brain do, to the molecular level, studying how an electrochemical signal travels along a nerve.

Importance of Anatomy and Physiology

Understanding anatomy and physiology is essential for any career in the health professions. It can also help individuals make choices that promote their health, respond appropriately to signs of illness, make sense of health-related news, and assist them in their roles as parents, spouses, partners, friends, colleagues, and caregivers.