N3 Anatomy and Physiology (1st Sem AY 2022-2023)

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

SUBSPECIALTIES OF ANATOMY

• EMBRYOLOGY – the study of the first eight weeks of development after fertilization of a human egg.
• DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY – the study of the complete development of an individual from fertilization to death.
• CELL BIOLOGY – the study of the cellular structure and functions.
• HISTOLOGY – the study of the microscopic structure of tissues.
• GROSS ANATOMY – the study of the structures that can be examined without a microscope.
• SYSTEMIC ANATOMY – the study of the structure of specific systems of the body such as the nervous or respiratory systems.
• REGIONAL ANATOMY – the study of the specific regions of the body such as the head or chest.
• SURFACE ANATOMY – the study of the surface markings of the body to understand internal anatomy through visualization and palpation.
• RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY – the study of the body structures that can be visualized with x-rays.
• PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY – the study of the structural changes (gross to microscopic) associated with the disease.

SUBSPECIALTIES OF PHYSIOLOGY

• NEUROPHYSIOLOGY – the study of the functional properties of nerve cells.
• ENDOCRINOLOGY – the study of hormones and how they control body functions.
• CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY – the study of the functions of the heart and blood vessels.
• IMMUNOLOGY – the study of the body’s defenses against disease-causing agents.
• RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY – the study of the functions of the air passageways and lungs.
• RENAL PHYSIOLOGY – the study of the functions of the kidneys.
• EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY – the study of the changes in cell and organ functions due to muscular activity.
• PATHOPHYSIOLOGY – the study of the functional changes associated with disease and aging.

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

The hand's multiple bones, including the phalanges, metacarpal, and carpal bones, as well as its tendons, muscles, and ligaments, allows a great deal of flexibility and dexterity. The muscles that can contract are what allow the bones in hand to move. The fibrous tissues known as ligaments assist in binding the hand joints together. Meanwhile, the tendons attach muscles in the arm or hand to the bone. Together, these several parts/components work to serve a common function – to grip, grasp, and perform precise movements.

References:

John Hopkins Medicine. (2020). Anatomy of the hand. Retrieved from  

      https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/anatomy-of-the-hand