1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
Anatomy
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Embryology - study of the first eight weeks of development after fertilization of a human egg
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Developmental biology - The complete development of an individual from fertilization of an egg until death
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Cell Biology - Cellular structure and functions
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Histology - microscopic study of tissues
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Gross anatomy - Structures that can be examined without a microscope.
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Systemic anatomy - Structure of specific systems of the body
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Regional anatomy - Specific regions of the body
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Surface anatomy - Surface markings of the body to understand internal anatomy through visualization and palpation (gentle touch).
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Radiographic anatomy Body structures that can be visualized with x-rays
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Pathological anatomy Structural changes (gross to microscopic) associated with disease
Physiology
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Neurophysiology - Functional properties of nerve cells
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Endocrinology - Hormones (chemical regulators in the blood) and how they control body functions.
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Immunology - The body’s defenses against disease-causing agents
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Respiratory physiology - Functions of the air passageways and lungs
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Renal physiology - Functions of the kidneys.
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Exercise physiology - Changes in cell and organ functions due to muscular activity
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Pathophysiology - Functional changes associated with disease and aging
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2. Can you give your own example on how a structure of a body part is related to its function?
Alveoli are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during the process of breathing. Its structure is composed of a single-cell layer of squamous (flat) epithelium which helps with its function because the single-cell layer is thin enough for gas exchange.