1. Anatomy as well as physiology have several subspecialties. Can you identify these subspecialties and explain what they specifically study?
Due to the close relationship between structure and function, anatomy and physiology can be gleaned from the study of the human body. To facilitate comprehension, it was divided into what we refer to as subspecialties.
The following are subspecialties of anatomy:
- Embryology: The study of the first eight weeks of embryonic development following fertilization
- Developmental biology: The study of the complete development of an individual from fertilization of an egg to death
- Cell Biology: The study of cellular functions and structures
- Histology: The study of tissue structure at the microscopic level
- Gross anatomy: The study of structures that are observable without the use of a microscope
- Systemic anatomy: The study of the structure of specific body systems such as the nervous and respiratory systems
- Regional anatomy: The study of specific regions of the body such as head or chest
- Surface anatomy: The study of surface markings of the body to understand internal anatomy through visualization and palpation (gentle touch)
- Radiographic anatomy: The study of body structures that x-rays can visualize
- Pathological anatomy: The study of gross to microscopic structural changes associated with disease
The following are subspecialties of physiology:
- Neurophysiology: The study of nerve cell functional properties
- Endocrinology: The study of hormones that are chemical regulators in the blood and how they control body functions.
- Cardiovascular physiology: The study of the functions of the heart and blood vessels
- Immunology: The study of body's defenses against disease-causing agents
- Respiratory physiology: The study of the functions of the lungs and air passageways
- Renal physiology: The study of the functions of the kidneys
- Exercise physiology: The study of changes in cell and organ function resulting from muscle activity
- Pathophysiology: The study of 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 powerful cardiac muscles that make up the heart are what allow it to maintain its steady pumping of blood to the rest of the body.
- Opposable thumbs are a trait shared by primates, including humans. This trait allows for greater dexterity when grasping.
- There are a wide variety of species, each with teeth that are uniquely shaped. Humans are omnivores. The incisors and canines of our teeth are designed for tearing, whereas the premolars and molars are optimized for chewing.