Activity 1. Anatomy and Physiology Subspecialities
1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
Anatomy is the science of body structures and their relationships. It provides insights on the functions of the body. Since the body is a wide topic, anatomy is divided into different subspecialties: 1) EMBRYOLOGY which is the study of the first 8 weeks of development following the fertilization of egg, 2) DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY, the study of the complete development of an individual from fertilization of an egg to death. Anatomy also deals with microscopic anatomy which includes: 3) CELL BIOLOGY or the study of cellular structures and its function and 4) HISTOLOGY which refers to thestudy of tissues. 5) SURFACE ANATOMY, the study of the surface markings or external features of the body to understand internal anatomy, 6) GROSS ANATOMY that refers to the study body structures that are large enough to be examined without using a microscope, 7) REGIONAL ANATOMY which refers to the study of specific regions of the body, 8) RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY or the study of body structures that is visualized through x-rays, 9) PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY or the study of the structural changes associated with disease, and 10) SYSTEMIC ANATOMY which refers to the study of structure of specific systems of the body.
Meanwhile, physiology is the science of body functions. Physiology is also divided into different subspecialties. Some of these are: 1) NEUROPHYSIOLOGY which studies the functional properties of the nerve cells, 2) ENDOCRINOLOGY which is the study of hormones and how they control the body, 3) CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY or the study of the functions of the heart and blood vessels, 4) IMMUNOLOGY that covers the body’s immunity or how the body defends itself against pathogens, 5) RENAL PHYSIOLOGY or the study of the functions of the kidneys, 6) RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY which is the study of functions of the air passageways and lungs, 7) EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY which covers the changes in cell and organ functions after muscular activity, and 8) PATHOPHYSIOLOGY which studies the functional changes associated with disease and aging.
2. Can you give your own example on how a structure of a body part is related to its function?
An example of how a structure of a body is related to its function can be observed on the thin serous membrane (pleura) that lines the thoracic cavity. It acts as a lubricant for the lungs to slip smoothly when expanding and contracting during respiration. The structure of the heart also allows itself to pump blood properly to supply the body the oxygen and nutrients it needs. It has valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction. The aorta, being the biggest artery, functions as the main artery through which oxygen-rich blood travels.