Anatomy & Physiology are two distinct yet closely linked fields of study that form the foundation for all biological sciences, particularly medicine. Anatomy (from the Greek word meaning “to cut apart”) is the scientific study of the structure of the body and its parts, focusing on their form, composition, and physical relationships to one another. Anatomical studies range from Gross Anatomy—examining large structures visible to the naked eye, such as the heart or bones—to Microscopic Anatomy (or Histology), which involves using a microscope to study cells (cytology) and tissues. Understanding anatomy provides the essential map and nomenclature for discussing the body’s physical components.
Physiology (from the Greek word for “study of nature”) is the scientific study of the function of the body’s structures—that is, how the body parts work and carry out their life-sustaining activities. It explores the complex chemical and physical processes that occur at all levels, from the molecular interactions within a single cell to the coordinated operations of organ systems. A central concept in physiology is homeostasis, which is the body’s crucial ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous changes in the external environment. This dynamic study provides insight into how the body manages to stay alive, grow, and reproduce.
The relationship between anatomy and physiology is often summarized by the principle of complementarity of structure and function: what a structure can do depends on its specific form. You cannot fully understand the physiology of a structure without knowing its anatomy, and vice-versa. For example, the thin walls and high surface area of the lung’s air sacs (anatomical structure) allow for rapid gas exchange (physiological function). These two disciplines are thus inherently intertwined, with function always reflecting structure, making it essential to study them together to achieve a holistic understanding of the human organism.
