Chapter 1, Problem 1CYU

In what way does physiology depend on anatomy?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The ways by which physiology depends on anatomy.

Introduction:

The branch of biology that studies the structure of body parts is referred to as anatomy, while physiology is the subject that takes into account the different functions performed by different body parts.

Explanation of Solution

Although both physiology and anatomy are different subjects of biology, they are complementary to each other as one is linked to the other. Both the subjects providea conceptual understanding of the human body.

One of the main reasonsfor not separating the physiological study from the anatomical study is that the function performed by a particular organ reflects the pattern of its structure. It can also be said that an organ is able to perform a particular function because of the specific structure it possesses. This concept is also called the “principle of complementarity of structure and function.”

Anexamplethat illustrates this concept is the flow of blood in heart always takes place in one direction (this is the function of the heart) and this is because the backflow of blood is prevented by the valves (the function is possible due to the structure) present in the heart.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the anatomical and physiological studiesare linked to each other and one cannot be separated from the other, as the function of an organ is only possible because of the specific structure it possesses.