1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
Anatomy subspecialties include:
-
Embryology: the study of the first eight weeks of development of the human egg after it has been fertilized.
-
Histology: the study of tissues and its microscopic structures.
-
Developmental Biology: deals with an organism’s completed development spanning from its birth up to its death.
-
Cell Biology: refers to the study made on cellular structures and their functions.
-
Gross Anatomy: study of structures that can be examined and accomplished without the aid of using a microscope.
-
Systemic Anatomy: pertains to the study of structures of particular body systems.
-
Surface Anatomy: studies surface markings of the body which allows better understanding of its internal anatomy via visualization and palpation.
-
Imaging Anatomy: the study of internal body structures which are made visible with the use of specific visualization techniques and instruments like x rays, MRIs and CT scans.
-
Pathological Anatomy: focuses on disease-associated changes in structures of the body.
Physiological subspecialties include:
-
Neurophysiology: studies the functional properties of neurons or nerve cells.
-
Endocrinology: deals with hormones and how they affect bodily functions.
-
Immunology: studies the body’s immune response against foreign bodies and disease-causing agents.
-
Molecular physiology: the study of individual molecules of the body which includes proteins, lipids, and DNA.
-
Cardiovascular physiology: primarily focuses on the functions of the heart and blood vessels.
-
Respiratory physiology: deals with the functions of the lungs and other passageways of air in the body.
-
Renal physiology: the study of the functions of the kidneys.
- Exercise physiology: pertains to the study on changes in cellular and organ functions resulting from exercise or any muscular activity.
-
Pathophysiology: the study of functional changes in relation to acquired diseases and/or aging.
2. Can you give your own example on how a structure of a body part is related to its function?
An example that I can think of is our arms. Our arms are long to be able to provide its function of mobility and dexterity. It bends and extends in some of its connective points like the shoulder and the elbow. Not only does it provide mobility but also connects to our hands, which is also a body part that plays a very busy and important role in an individual's locomotion.