1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
Anatomy subspecialties:
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Gross Anatomy = This study deals with large body structures that are visible and can be examined without a microscope or any other magnification device.
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Microscopic Anatomy = This study deals with the small body structures only visible and examined under a microscope.
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Cell Biology = This study deals with the cellular structure and functions. It is under microscopic anatomy.
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Histology = This study deals with the microscopic structure of tissues. It is under microscopic anatomy.
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Regional Anatomy = This study deals with the interrelationships of all structures in a specific body region.
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Systemic Anatomy = This study deals with the structure of specific systems of the body. It deals with the structures that make up a distinct body system.
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Embryology = This study deals with the study of the first eight weeks of development of a human egg after fertilization.
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Developmental Biology = This study deals with the complete development of an individual from fertilization to death.
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Surface Anatomy = This study deals with the study of surface marking of the body to understand internal anatomy via visualization and palpation.
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Radiographic Anatomy = This study deals with the body structures that can be examined and visualized using x-rays.
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Pathological Anatomy = This study deals with all structural changes, from gross to microscopic, associated with diseases.
Physiology subspecialties:
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Endocrinology = This study deals with hormones and how they regulate body functions.
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Neurophysiology = This study deals with the functional properties of nerve cells.
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Cardiovascular Physiology = This study deals with the functions of the hearts and blood vessels.
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Respiratory Physiology = This study deals with the functions of the air passageways and lungs.
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Immunology = This study deals with the body’s defenses against disease-causing agents.
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Renal Physiology = This study deals with the functions of the kidneys.
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Pathophysiology = This study deals with the 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 stomach is a sac-like organ with muscular walls, and expands. This structure is related to its function because its sac-like structure gives space for the food to be digested inside as it enters the organ. Its muscular walls are able to contract and help in mechanical digestion. The walls also secrete substances that protect it from the acids during digestion. Lastly, it can expand when it is full of food and contract when it is empty.