Activity 1. Anatomy and Physiology Subspecialties

PERALTA, Arianne Pauline A._Activity 1

PERALTA, Arianne Pauline A._Activity 1

by Arianne Pauline Peralta -
Number of replies: 0

1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?

There are many subspecialties for both anatomy and physiology. Anatomy subspecialties include: 

  1. Embryology — the study of embryos and their development; 

  2. Developmental biology — deals with the complete development of of an individual from fertilization to death;

  3. Cell biology — focuses on cellular structure and functions;

  4. Surface anatomy — the study of external features;

  5. Gross anatomy — deals with the large structures that can be examined without a microscope; and

  6. Systemic anatomy — the system-by-system examination of human structures

Meanwhile, physiology subspecialties include the following:

  1. Neurophysiology — studies the functional properties of nerve cells;

  2. Endocrinology — deals with hormones;

  3. Cardiovascular physiology — focuses on the functions of heart and blood vessels;

  4. Immunology — studies how the body defends itself against agents;

  5. Renal physiology — studies the kidneys; and

  6. Pathophysiology — focuses on functional changes in relation with disease and aging

2. Can you give your own example on how a structure of a body part is related to its function?

The air sacs of lungs, in terms of structure, have very thin walls. This enables them to exchange gasses and provide oxygen to the body.