Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
All living organisms share fundamental functions that keep them alive. Responsiveness allows organisms to react to changes in their environment, whether through irritability (like pulling your hand away from a hot stove) or adaptability (like growing thicker fur in winter). Growth occurs as cells increase in size and become specialized through differentiation.
Every organism can create new generations through reproduction and produce movement, either internally or externally. Metabolism encompasses all chemical operations needed to absorb materials from the environment, including energy production through complex reactions like the Kreb's cycle.
Anatomy is the study of body structures, which can be examined at different levels. Gross anatomy looks at features visible to the naked eye, while surface anatomy focuses on external form. Microscopic anatomy requires magnification to study cells (cytology) and tissues (histology).
💡 Think of anatomy as the "what" and physiology as the "how" of your body. Anatomy identifies the structures, while physiology explains how those structures actually work!
