- Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
1. Embryology is a branch of science focusing on the study of the growth and development of the embryo. In humans, the embryonic stage constitutes the first eight weeks of development after conception.
2. Developmental biology aims to understand how an organism develops after the embryonic stage.
3. Cell biology is the study of cell structure and their functions
4. Histology, also known as microanatomy; studies the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues
5. Surface anatomy is the study of the external features of the body.
6. Gross anatomy studies the structures of the body that are visible to the naked eye
7. Systemic anatomy studies and focuses on the different organ systems of the body
8. Regional anatomy is the study of anatomy based on regions or divisions of the body
9. Radiographic anatomy is the study of anatomy with the use of radiographic fils
10. Pathological anatomy - deals with the diagnosis of diseases based on the macroscopic examination of surgical and microscopic parts for the examination of cells and tissues
2. Can you give your own example on how a structure of a body part is related to its function?
The auricle or the visible portion of the ear is specifically designed so it can collect sound waves and channel them into the ear canal. Inner structures such as the eardrum and the ear bones are also designed to transmit the vibrations channeled by the auricle so that they can reach the structures located in our inner ear where they will then send signals to the brain, ready to be interpreted.