physiology
fiz-ee-AHL-uh-jee
/ˌfɪziˈɒlədʒi/
The branch of biology dealing with the normal functions of living organisms and their physical parts.
Focuses on HOW living tissues, organs, and systems work dynamically, contrasting with anatomy, which focuses on static structure.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'physis' (nature, natural property) and '-logia' (study of). In classical times, 'physiologia' meant natural philosophy. By the 16th century, Jean Fernel narrowed its meaning specifically to the functional study of healthy human body processes.
Word relationships
- functional biology: Descriptive phrase for how biological systems function.
- pathology: The study of diseased or abnormal function.
Commonly confused with
- anatomy: Anatomy studies body structure; physiology studies how body parts function.
Word family
- physiological (adjective): Relating to normal body functions.
- physiologist (noun): A scientist who studies body functions.
Collocations
- human physiology
- exercise physiology
- cellular physiology
- plant physiology
Example sentences
- "Medical students take anatomy to learn physical organ structures and physiology to understand how those organs work." Academic Studies
- "He spent years studying comparative animal physiology to understand how desert creatures survive extreme heat." Scientific Literature
Memory hook
PHYSICS of biological function = PHYSIOLOGY. Physiology = How living bodies work.
When not to use
Do not use when describing static structural shape (that is anatomy).
Fun facts
- The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded annually since 1901 to honor revolutionary discoveries in biological function.
Related words
Explore more words
pathogenesis, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, sensory, biomarker, biopsy
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