How does physiology relate to anatomy?

• A. Physiology studies the structure of cells
• B. Physiology studies the function, which depends on structure
• C. Physiology is separate from anatomical studies
• D. Physiology focuses solely on organ systems

Answer: (B)

Physiology is fundamentally connected to anatomy through the idea that the function of biological systems is inherently linked to their structure. While anatomy examines the physical structure of organisms, including organs, tissues, and cells, physiology investigates how these structures operate and work together to sustain life and support bodily functions. This relationship highlights that an understanding of anatomy provides the necessary context for understanding physiological processes; for instance, the way a heart muscle is structured directly informs how it contracts and pumps blood.

The interdependence of structure and function is a core principle in the biological sciences. Cells are organized into tissues, tissues into organs, and organs into organ systems, each level of organization having unique functions informed by their anatomical characteristics. Therefore, the study of physiology cannot be divorced from its anatomical foundations, as the functions of biological systems are grounded in their respective structures.