Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 1 - Section 1.1 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcome - Page 24: 1

Answer

Anatomy is the study of structure and physiology is the study of function. These two sciences are complementary because structure makes function possible and function helps shape structure.

Work Step by Step

Anatomy comes from the Latin "to cut up" and is defined as the study of the structure. Physiology also comes from the Latin "nature" is defined as the study of the nature or function of things. These two sciences are intertwined. Something only works if it is structured correctly. The body cannot breath underwater because the lungs do not have the necessary structures to pull oxygen from the water. Likewise, as something is used it can help shape the structure of the body. A weightlifter using his muscles will help shape his body's structure (add more muscle), which in turn will help him lift more weight. With evolution, we can see the long term effects of function on structure.
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