Which statement best describes the difference between anatomy and physiology?

• A. Anatomy is the study of body structure, while physiology is the study of body function.
• B. Anatomy is the study of body function, while physiology is the study of body structure.
• C. Anatomy and physiology both refer to the study of diseases.
• D. Anatomy focuses on chemical reactions, while physiology focuses on body organs.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of anatomy and physiology. Anatomy refers to the study of the structure and organization of the body, including organs, tissues, and cells. Physiology, on the other hand, is the study of how these structures function and interact to sustain life.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. The first option states that anatomy is the study of body structure, while physiology is the study of body function. This aligns with the definitions provided in Step 1.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second option, which reverses the definitions of anatomy and physiology. This is incorrect based on the established definitions.
4. Step 4: Examine the third option, which states that anatomy and physiology both refer to the study of diseases. This is incorrect because the study of diseases is specifically referred to as pathology, not anatomy or physiology.
5. Step 5: Assess the fourth option, which claims that anatomy focuses on chemical reactions while physiology focuses on body organs. This is inaccurate because chemical reactions are primarily studied in biochemistry, and anatomy focuses on structure rather than chemical processes.