1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
- Betts and Johnson (2017) identified two subspecializations of anatomy: Gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy or macroscopic anatomy involves studying the larger structures of the body (visible without a microscope; ex. brain) while microscopic anatomy is the study of microscopic structures such as cells and tissues. Microscopic anatomy encompasses cell biology, the study of cellular stucture and functions, and histology, the study of microscopic structures of tissues. Also, the two general approaches in anatomy were indicated: regional anatomy and systemic anatomy. The former focuses on the interrelationships of all of the structures in a specific body region while the latter studies the structures in a discrete body system. Other than the anatomy subspecializations and approaches mentioned, Tortora and Derrickson (2014) also listed several other branches of anatomy which study the following: (1) first weeks of development after fertilization of a human egg (Embryology), (2) complete development of an individual from fertilization to death (Developmental biology), (3) surface markings of the body (Surface anatomy), (4) body structures that can be visualized with techniques such as x-rays, MRI, and CT scans (Imaging anatomy), and lastly (5) structural changes associated with disease (Pathological anatomy).
Also, according to Tortora and Derrickson(2014), the different branches of physiology study: (1) functional properties of nerve cells (Neurophysiology), (2) hormones and how they control body functions (Endocrinology), (3) Functions of the heart and blood vessels (Cardiovascular physiology), (4) the body's defense against disease-causing agents (Immunology), (5) functions of the air passageways and lungs (Respiratory physiology), (6) function of the kidneys (Renal physiology), (7) changes in cell and organ functions due to muscular activity (Exercise physiology), and (8) functional changes associated with disease and aging (Pathophysiology).
2. Can you give your own example on how a structure of a body part is related to its function?
- Inside the mouth is the epthelium that helps to sense taste when eating food.