What does the study of physiology focus on?

The study of physiology is centered on understanding the functions and processes of the human body and its systems. It investigates how various organs, cells, and systems work together to sustain life, ranging from cellular processes to complex interactions in the entire organism. This includes examining mechanisms like how muscles contract, how the heart pumps blood, and how hormones regulate bodily functions.

In contrast, the exploration of the structure of the human body is more aligned with the discipline of anatomy, which provides a framework for understanding where different parts are located and how they relate to one another. The study of plant anatomy falls outside the scope of human physiology, focusing instead on plant structures and systems. Similarly, examining the development of genetic traits pertains to genetics and developmental biology rather than physiology. Therefore, physiology is distinctly about the functions and operations that keep the body working effectively, making it essential for understanding health, disease, and overall bodily regulation.