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    Basic anatomy and physiology

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    Manuela Lourenço

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Basic anatomy and physiology

    Uploaded by

    Manuela Lourenço
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    4 views1 page

    Basic anatomy and physiology

    Uploaded by

    Manuela Lourenço

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Basic anatomy and physiology

    Anatomy and physiology are two closely related branches of science within the field of biology that
    deal with the study of living organisms. Here’s a basic breakdown of each:
    Anatomy
    Anatomy is the study of the structure of living things. It can be divided into several sub-disciplines:
    1. Gross Anatomy: This is the study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye. It often
    involves dissection and the study of organs and major body systems, such as the skeletal,
    muscular, and digestive systems.
    2. Microscopic Anatomy: Also known as histology, this area focuses on structures that cannot
    be seen without magnification. Histologists study cells and tissues, using microscopes to
    examine the finer details of organismal structure.
    3. Developmental Anatomy: This specialty looks at how organisms grow and develop over
    time, from conception through maturity.
    Physiology
    Physiology examines how the bodies of living organisms function. This includes how organs and
    systems operate and how they interact to sustain life. Key aspects include:
    1. Cell Physiology: This area looks at the processes and functions carried out within a cell,
    which is the basic unit of life.
    2. Organ Physiology: This involves the study of specific organs like the heart, lungs, and brain,
    and how they function and interact within their systems.
    3. Systemic Physiology: This focuses on entire systems, such as the nervous, respiratory, and
    cardiovascular systems. It explores how these systems work together to enable activities and
    sustain life.
    4. Pathophysiology: This sub-discipline investigates what happens when systems malfunction,
    leading to diseases and disorders.
    Integration of Anatomy and Physiology
    Anatomy and physiology are intrinsically linked—structure and function are complementary. The
    physical design of an organ or system (anatomy) determines and supports its function (physiology).
    For example, the unique anatomy of the lungs (alveoli and extensive capillary networks) allows for
    efficient gas exchange, which is a key physiological process.
    In summary, anatomy provides a detailed map of the body's landscape, which is crucial for
    understanding where things are and how they are made. Physiology adds the dimension of
    understanding how these structures work and how vital processes occur to maintain life. This
    integrated understanding is crucial for fields like medicine, biology, and various health sciences.

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