Relationship Between Anatomy & Physiology

By Denise M. Covert, R.N., eHow Contributor

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Relationship Between Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy and physiology are the sciences that most closely relate to the human body, enabling us to
understand ourselves and why our bodies work the way they do. Anatomy is the study of the form of the
human body--the shapes of the muscles, the number of bones, the cells that sustain life. Physiology is the
study of the function of these parts, such as how the muscles in your face work together to make a smile,
or how parts of cells turn sugar into energy. As form follows function, so the two sciences are intertwined
and usually studied together. Have a question? Get an answer from a Medical Professional now!
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How Are Anatomy & Physiology Related?
1. Anatomy
o The two subsets of the study of anatomy are gross anatomy, meaning what
can be seen by the naked eye, and histology, the study of tissues, also
called microscopic anatomy. In addition to viewing the body either in total or
through dissection, there are three other ways to examine gross anatomy:
palpation, or touching (such as feeling swollen lymph nodes); auscultation, or
listening (as a doctor may listen to the lungs using a stethoscope); and
percussion, or tapping (such as hitting the knee to check for reflexes).
Imaging techniques such as x-rays or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
can also aid in anatomical examination.
Physiology
o Physiology is the study of how the parts of the anatomy function together to
create and sustain life. There are numerous subdisciplines of physiology
such as neurophysiology (physiology of the nervous system), endocrinology
(physiology of hormones) and pathophysiology (how diseases work). Some
aspects of physiology can be observed and tested on the human body, but
when that is not possible, studies of other species lend information on the
body. This is called comparative physiology, and it is the basis for new drugs
and procedures that must first be tested on animals before being deemed
safe for humans.
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Applications
o Anatomy and physiology are required classes for nursing and medical
degrees. They are also either required or helpful for such health care fields
as physical therapy, chiropractic and veterinary medicine. In most schools it
is one class stretched out over two semesters, and typically includes
memorizing every bone, muscle, joint and major blood vessel in the body.
Hierarchy
o Part of the study of anatomy and physiology involves the hierarchy of
complexity. This shows how a human being can be broken down into smaller
and smaller levels of complexity. The whole person is an organism. The
organism is made up of organ systems, such as the respiratory system or
digestive system. Organ systems are made up of organs--for example, three
organs of the digestive system are the stomach, small intestine and large
intestine. Organs are composed of tissues. For example, skin (which is an
organ of the integumentary system) contains epithelial, connective and
nervous tissue. Tissues are made up of different types and sizes of cells,
which in turn contain organelles that perform various functions within cells.
Organelles are made up of molecules such as protein and DNA, which are
composed of atoms, the smallest particle with a unique chemical identity.
Life Processes
o Anatomy and physiology are the study of living organisms. Organisms that
are alive have several properties. These properties often form the basis of
anatomical and physiological study. Some of those properties are:
organization; metabolism and excretion; movement and response to stimuli;
development (by differentiation or growth); reproduction; and homeostasis,
or the organism's ability to maintain internal stability


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Long Bones
Long bones are some of the longest bones in the body, such as the Femur, Humerus and Tibia but are also some of the smallest
including the Metacarpals, Metatarsals and Phalanges. The classification of a long bone includes having a body which is longer than it
is wide, with growth plates (epiphysis) at either end, having a hard outer surface of compact bone and a spongy inner known an
cancellous bone containing bone marrow. Both ends of the bone are covered in hyaline cartilage to help protect the bone and aid shock
absorbtion.

The femur - a long bone
Short Bones
Short bones are defined as being approximately as wide as they are long and have a primary function of providing support and stability
with little movement. Examples of short bones are the Carpals and Tarsals - the wrist and foot bones. They consist of only a thin layer of
compact, hard bone with cancellous bone on the inside along with relatively large amounts of bone marrow.

The carpals - short bones
Flat Bones
Flat bones are as they sound, strong, flat plates of bone with the main function of providing protection to the bodies vital organs and
being a base for muscular attachment. The classic example of a flat bone is the Scapula (shoulder blade). The Sternum (breast bone),
Cranium (skull), os coxae (hip bone) Pelvis and Ribs are also classified as flat bones. Anterior and posterior surfaces are formed of
compact bone to provide strength for protection with the centre consisiting of cancellous (spongy) bone and varying amounts of bone
marrow. In adults, the highest number of red blood cells are formed in flat bones.

The scapula - a flat bone
Irregular Bones
These are bones in the body which do not fall into any other category, due to their non-uniform shape. Good examples of these are the Vertebrae,
Sacrum and Mandible (lower jaw). They primarily consist of cancellous bone, with a thin outer layer of compact bone.

Vertebrae - irregular bones
Sesamoid Bones
Sesamoid bones are usually short or irregular bones, imbedded in a tendon. The most obvious example of this is the Patella (knee cap)
which sits within the Patella or Quadriceps tendon. Other sesamoid bones are the Pisiform (smallest of the Carpals) and the two small
bones at the base of the 1st Metatarsal. Sesamoid bones are usually present in a tendon where it passes over a joint which serves to
protect the tendon.

The patella - a sesamoid bone





















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