Anatomy vs. Physiology: Structure vs. Function
The fundamental difference between anatomy and physiology is that anatomy is the study of the body's structures, while physiology is the study of how those structures function. In simple terms, anatomy deals with 'what' the parts are, and physiology deals with 'how' the parts work.
Section 2: Defining Anatomy
Anatomy is the branch of biology concerned with the identification and description of the body structures of living things. It can be studied on a large scale (gross anatomy), such as examining organs and bones, or on a small scale (microscopic anatomy), such as studying tissues and cells with a microscope.
Section 3: Defining Physiology
Physiology is the scientific study of the functions and mechanisms that work within a living system. It explores the physical and chemical processes that body parts carry out to support life. For example, physiology explains how nerves transmit signals or how kidneys filter blood.
Section 4: A Practical Example of Their Link
Anatomy and physiology are intrinsically linked because function always reflects structure. For example, an anatomist would describe the heart's four chambers and valves. A physiologist would then explain how this specific four-chamber structure allows the heart to function as a double pump, efficiently moving blood through the lungs and the rest of the body.