1. Subspecialties of anatomy and physiology
Anatomy subspecialties
- Surface anatomy - studies external of the body
- Regional anatomy - Studies specific regions of the body
- Systemic anatomy - Studies specific organs systems
- Microscopic anatomy
- Cytology - study of cells
- Histology - study of tissues
Subspecialties of human physiology
- Neurophysiology - studies functions of nerve cells
- Endocrinology - studies function and how hormones are controlled
- Cardiovascular Physiology - functions of the blood vessels and the heart
- Immunology - studies about defensive mechanism of the body in response to disease causing agents
- Respiratory Physiology - studies the functions of the lungs and air passageways
- Renal Physiology - studies function of kidneys
- Exercise Physiology - studies the function of organ and cells after the activity of muscles
- Pathophysiology - studies the functional alternations in the body as the body ages.
2. Relation of the body part to its function - THE LUNGS
The lung with its alveolar system is made in such a way to maximize respiration for the body’s needs. As we all know, oxygen is essential to almost all body cells. To facilitate the successful exchange of CO2 and O2 in the body, there needs to be an organ which has a large surface area for diffusion of gases. The lungs with its alveolar system create a large surface area for the absorption of inhaled. The alveolar sacs in the lungs have simple squamous epithelium which allow for easy absorption and diffusion of gases. The structures of the respiratory system maximizes the total efficiency of its function.