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Anatomy has 10 subspecialties: embryology, developmental biology, cell biology, histology, gross anatomy, systemic anatomy, regional anatomy, surface anatomy, radiographic anatomy, and pathological anatomy. Embryology focuses on the study of the development of a human egg during the first eight weeks after its fertilization, while developmental biology covers the complete development of a human from fertilization up to death. Moreover, cellular biology examines cellular structure and functions. Histology, on the other hand, is the study of tissues, and their microscopic structure. The observable structures that can be examined without the need for microscopes are studied in gross anatomy. The systemic anatomy tackles the structure of specific systems in the body like the digestive system, whereas the specific regions of the body like the head or abdomen are studied under regional anatomy. Surface anatomy covers the surface markings of the body in order to grasp the internal anatomy with the use of visualization and palpation. Another subspecialty of anatomy is radiographic anatomy, wherein the body structure that can be visualized with the use of x-rays is studied. Lastly, pathological anatomy studies the structural changes associated with disease, which encompasses the gross to the microscopic level of anatomy. When it comes to physiology, there are eight subspecialties: neurophysiology, endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology, immunology, respiratory physiology, renal physiology, exercise physiology, and pathophysiology. The functional properties of nerve cells are studied in neurophysiology, while hormones that regulate the chemical composition of blood, and how body functions are controlled by them are covered in endocrinology. The functions of the heart and blood vessels are the subject of study in cardiovascular physiology. Furthermore, the body’s defenses against disease-causing agents are tackled in immunology. Respiratory physiology is the study of the air passageways and lungs, while renal physiology is for the function of the kidneys. Additionally, the changes in cell and organ functions due to muscular activity are covered in exercise physiology. Ultimately, pathophysiology deals with the functional changes that are associated with disease and aging. Anatomy and physiology go hand-in-hand because as mentioned above, anatomy encompasses the structure of the body, while physiology deals with the function of the different parts of the body.
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An example of how the structure of a part of the body is related to its function can be seen in our teeth. Our teeth vary in size and sharpness, and each has a specific purpose. Food is mostly chopped with the incisors, while it is torn apart by the canines. Both the premolars and the molars can grind and break food due to their broader shapes and surface areas. Also, our teeth are covered with thick enamel in order for us to be able to eat hard foods like nuts and seeds without compromising our teeth.