Anatomy and physiology help us understand the way our bodies work and how they are structured. Anatomy and physiology are both subdivisions of biology and are related to each other. Learning the structure and function of the human body is a necessary tool for many health-care professionals, biologists and researchers.
Anatomy
Anatomy is the study of the shape and structure of the body and all of its parts as well as their relationships to each other. The word anatomy is derived from the Greek words tomy, which means to cut, and ana, which means apart. Studying large body structures is referred to as gross anatomy, while the study of structures too small for the naked eye is microscopic anatomy.
Physiology
Physiology is the study of how the body and all its parts function. Physiology consists of the words physio, which means nature, and ology, which means the study of. Physiology has many subdivisions of study. These include cardiac physiology, known as the study of the heart, and neuro physiology, which is the study of the nervous system, among others.
Connection of Anatomy and Physiology
The structure of the body determines what functions can occur. Therefore, the anatomy of the body is crucial in determining its physiology. When studying the process by which the body functions, it is useful to also have a good understanding of the body's anatomy. If the structure of the body changes, its level of function also changes.
Origins
Major anatomical skeletal structures were identified in prehistoric and ancient cultures. By 700 B.C., major anatomical models were being used. Many ancient Greek physicians began studying anatomy and physiology. Aristotle was one of the first to begin organizing anatomy and physiology as separate sciences. Galen was the first to compile all medical, surgical, anatomical, physiological and zoological knowledge that was known up to that time. Leonardo da Vinci pioneered these studies of anatomy and physiology through accurate sketches and cross-sectional anatomy.
Organization
The study of anatomy and physiology teaches that the human body is organized into 11 different systems. These systems are the integumentary system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system and the male and female reproductive systems.
References
- "Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology"; E.N. Marieb; 2009
- Book Rags.com: History of Anatomy and Physiology: The Classical and Medieval Periods
