1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
Subspecialties are divided between Anatomy and Physiology. Below we can see the branches of Anatomy and Physiology as well as their focus of study.
Branches of Anatomy:
- Embryology - The first eight weeks of development after fertilization of a human egg.
- Developmental biology - The complete development of an individual from fertilization to death.
- Cell biology - Cellular structure and functions.
- Histology - Microscopic structure of tissues.
- Gross anatomy - Structures that can be examined without a microscope, because it is visible by the naked eye.
- Systemic anatomy - Structure of specific systems of the body such as the nervous or respiratory systems.
- Regional anatomy - Specific regions or divisions of the body: upper limbs, lower limbs, trunk (thorax, abdomen, pelvis, back), head, and neck
- Surface anatomy - Surface markings of the body to understand internal anatomy through visualization and palpation (gentle touch).
- Imaging anatomy - Body structures that can be visualized with techniques such as x-rays, MRI, and CT scans.
- Pathological anatomy - Structural changes (gross to microscopic) associated with disease.
Branches of Physiology:
- Neurophysiology - Functional properties of nerve cells.
- Endocrinology - Hormones (chemical regulators in the blood) and how they control body functions.
- Cardiovascular physiology - Functions of the heart and blood vessels.
- Immunology - The body’s defenses against disease-causing agents.
- Respiratory physiology - Functions of the air passageways and lungs.
- Renal physiology - Functions of the kidneys.
- Exercise physiology - Changes in cell and organ functions due to muscular activity.
- Pathophysiology - Functional changes associated with disease and aging.
2. Can you give your own example on how a structure of a body part is related to its function?
The structure of our hand is seen to have an opposable thumb, while the four other phalanges are on one side. This structure enables us to grip with our hands.