Definition: Study of the structure of living organisms.
Focus: "What is it? Where is it?"
Branches:
Gross Anatomy: Visible structures (organs, muscles).
Microscopic Anatomy: Cellular/tissue level (histology, cytology).
Developmental Anatomy: Changes from conception to adulthood (embryology).
Regional vs. Systemic Anatomy: Body regions vs. organ systems.
Tools: Dissection, imaging (MRI, CT), microscopy.
Example: Mapping the heart's chambers and valves.
Definition: Study of normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
Focus: "How does it work? Why does it work?"
Branches:
Divided by organ systems (e.g., cardiovascular, neuro, renal physiology).
Explores mechanisms like homeostasis, metabolism, and signaling.
Key Questions:
How do muscles contract?
How do kidneys regulate blood pH?
Tools: Biochemical assays, electrophysiology, biomechanics.
Example: Studying how nerves transmit electrical impulses.
Definition: Study of abnormal or disordered physiological processes in disease.
Focus: "How do diseases disrupt normal function?"
Scope:
Bridges physiology and pathology.
Examines mechanisms of disease (e.g., inflammation, cell death, genetic mutations).
Explains symptoms, progression, and complications.
Key Questions:
Why does hypertension damage blood vessels?
How does diabetes impair insulin signaling?
Application: Foundation for clinical medicine and drug development.
Example: Analyzing how atherosclerosis reduces blood flow in coronary arteries.
Concept | Anatomy | Physiology | Pathophysiology |
---|---|---|---|
Core Question | Structure | Normal function | Dysfunction in disease |
Hierarchy | Foundation for physiology | Explores "how" anatomy operates | Applies physiology to disease states |
Clinical Link | Diagnostic imaging, surgery | Health maintenance, fitness | Disease diagnosis, treatment |
Anatomy identifies structural changes (e.g., tumor growth).
Physiology explains normal operations (e.g., hormone regulation).
Pathophysiology reveals why a structural flaw (anatomy) causes functional failure (physiology), leading to disease.
A blocked artery (anatomy) → Reduces blood flow (physiology) → Causes tissue ischemia → Leading to myocardial infarction (pathophysiology). This triad forms the cornerstone of biomedical sciences, guiding research, diagnostics, and therapeutics.