What Is Anatomy And Physiology?

Biological sciences date back to the ancient Greeks, and anatomy and physiology are related disciplines. Likely, we have all taken a class in anatomy and physiology at some point in our schooling. 

Biology classes cover anatomical terminology and macroscopic anatomy (the organ system you can see through naked eyes). A slightly more advanced class might teach microscopic anatomy, which involves the use of a microscope.

The history of anatomy and physiology studies can be traced back to the “father of medicine,” Hippocrates, in 420 BCE. Jean Fernel coined the term “physiology”; it means “the study of nature.” 

If you’re interested in embarking on a career in anatomy and physiology, we’ve got the best courses and study routes. Our guide will help you learn the differences and similarities, how much you can earn, and how to launch your career.

What is the difference between anatomy and physiology? 

Human anatomy and physiology have different purposes. Anatomy deals with body structures of organs and systems, and physiology studies the functions of these systems and their accessory organs. 

Anatomy descends from morphology and is the study of the internal environment of living and dead organisms. Anatomists collect information about organs, bone structure, and the central nervous system, dividing the body into anatomical planes to examine structure. 

There are two anatomy schools, these being micro and macro. The latter focuses on the body as a whole, whereas microanatomy specializes in cell biology on a microscopic level. 

Physiologists go one step further to explore cell division and chemical reactions, where the differences between anatomy and physiology lay. While anatomy focuses itself on structure, physiology deals with body function. 

Physiologists need a solid understanding of anatomy to research the processes and relationships between organisms and systems. Physiologists look at how the body maintains homeostasis. 

An anatomy lab involves dissection; physiology focuses on experimentation. Studying anatomy and physiology go hand in hand; a course will teach the two in detail. 

How are anatomy and physiology related? 

However, anatomy and physiology are closely related and look at similar body systems within a human organism. Anatomy and physiology study similar anatomical structures and systems, such as:

1. Nervous system

Anatomy identifies the central nervous system (spinal cord, cranial nerve, and brain) and the peripheral nervous system. Physiology studies the functions of these systems: senses, memory, emotion, thought, and movement.

2. Cardiovascular system

The cardiovascular system analyzes the cardiac cycle, heart, blood vessels, and cardiac muscle.

3. Respiratory systems

Both anatomy and physiology explore respiratory systems, including lungs, nose, nasopharynx, and trachea.

4. Reproductive systems

Examine male and female reproductive systems.

5. Urinary system

Both investigate the urinary bladder, kidneys, ureter, and urethra. The urinary system removes water from the blood and disposes of waste products. 

6. Lymphatic system

Examine the study of lymphatic vessels carrying lymph fluid back to the circulatory system.

7. Integumentary system

Explore integumentary systems such as skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and epithelial tissues. 

8. Digestive system 

Spleen, liver pancreas, functioning as the progression of food into fuel and removal of waste from the body. 

9. Endocrine system

Explore the endocrine system, which is the study of endocrine hormones and glands. 

10. Immune system 

The body’s line of defense, the immune response, consists of white blood cells, the thymus, and the lymph systems. 

11. Musculoskeletal system

Including the muscular system and skeletal system, anatomists and physiologists examine the connective tissue between bone tissue and muscle tissue. The bone structure covers the pelvic girdle and the pectoral girdle. Physiologists also explore how the muscle contracts. 

Online courses will teach the anatomy and physiology of these systems in detail. If you want to launch your career in biological sciences, understanding the basics of the human body is an excellent way to begin. 

What are my career options in anatomy and physiology?

The great thing about studying human physiology is that it opens up your career options. Directly related careers for developmental biology include: 

• Anatomist. 

• Biomedical scientist. 

• Clinical scientist. 

• Research scientist.

• Pharmacologist. 

• Exercise physiologist. 

• Physiotherapist.

• Science Writer.

• Teacher.

Expert knowledge of organs and structures is a valuable skill in the job market, and it is essential if you want to further your career in another branch of biology. 

Typical employers of anatomists and physiologists are academic institutions, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare organizations.

If you want to study anatomy and physiology, consider where you might want to take your career. There are so many options; take time to think about what job most interests you.  

What is an anatomist? 

Anatomy is the study of the internal structures of organs and tissues. An anatomist typically specializes in regional anatomy — a specific area of the body. 

Work might include biological imaging, cell biology, genetics, molecular development, endocrinology, neuroscience, forensics, microscopy, and physical anthropology.

Nearly all anatomists focus their work on research and typically abide in a laboratory. Some might also teach and train other scientists. 

Some anatomists focus on the study of the structures of plants or other organisms. Anatomy is not limited to the human body; it overlaps with botany, zoologists, and veterinarians.

Anatomists might research to answer specific questions or else to further our general study of organisms. Anatomy is an integral element of medicine and scientific research.

How to become an exercise physiologist?

Exercise physiology is the study of the body’s reaction to sports. If you are interested in how the body responds to exercise and training, a career as an exercise physiologist could be for you.

An exercise physiologist will typically focus on the respiratory, metabolic, nervous, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems. Describing the function of these systems is crucial to understanding how they change in response to physical activity. 

You also need to have strong knowledge of the musculoskeletal functions of the lower limbs and upper limbs. Exercise physiologists usually work with sports teams, athletes, or in a clinical research setting.

You will need comprehensive skills in communication, self-motivation, organization, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. You will also need strong technical skills and knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

Work experience is also a good idea. Try to gain experience working in a lab or sports office to learn the hands-on aspects of the job. 

Typically, you will need a degree or training in a related field. To get yourself prepared for your studies and future career, sign up for an online training course to get to grips with the basics.

How much does a physiologist make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average earnings of an exercise physiologist in 2020 was $50,280.It has a faster-than-average job outlook, and an anatomist can typically earn $65,110 per year. 

How to study anatomy and physiology? 

Extensive study is needed to become an anatomist or physiologist. It would help if you were an expert on the structures and functions of a living organism and its tissues and organs. 

Careers often require specific qualifications, such as a degree or training course. To prepare you for your study of physiology, you should begin by learning the terminology and structure of the human body. Online study courses cover types of muscles and microscopic anatomy. 

As you progress towards your career, you might need to specialize in a particular body region. Depending on your career path, you might have to take further courses to expand your knowledge and understanding after your degree.  

Where can I take anatomy and physiology online?

At Courses for Success, we offer an Advanced Anatomy and Physiology Online Certificate Course. The course comprehensively covers an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and physiology:

• Anatomy of the heart.

• Anatomy of the kidney.

• Structure of skeletal muscle.

• Structure of the body.

• Structures of the respiratory system.

• Circulatory pathways.

• The basic structure of muscle cells.

You will learn the critical differences between anatomy and physiology. The learning objectives aim to prepare you to study anatomy and physiology at a higher level. After completing this online training program, you receive a certificate and be ready to launch your career. 

Why Courses for Success? 

Courses for Success offers over 10,000 online courses, all of which aim to help you in your personal development and career progression. Not only that, but you can also study them anywhere and at any time, and take them at your own pace, too.

You don’t need career diplomas or specific experience to get started. From our coding courses and trading courses to design courses and developer courses, every course we offer will help boost your prospects, no matter who you are.

Beyond just the education itself, students will be issued a certificate online after completing each of the learning courses they do. Our online anatomy and physiology courses are no exception and are recognized by industry leaders. You could make a name for yourself by signing up for a Courses for Success short course today.