Anatomy -The scientific discipline that investigates the body's structures—for example, the shape and size of bones.

Anatomy -This means to dissect or cut apart and separate the parts of the body for study.

Anatomy - It examines the relationship between the structure of a body part and its function.

Developmental anatomy - It studies the structural changes that occur between conception and adulthood.

Embryology - It is a subspecialty of developmental anatomy, considers changes from conception to the end of the eighth week of development.

Cytology - It examines the structural features of cells.

Histology - It examines tissues, which are composed of cells and the materials surrounding them.

Gross anatomy - The study of structures that can be examined without the aid of a microscope, can be approached either systemically or regionally.

Surface anatomy - It involves looking at the exterior of the body to visualize structures deeper inside the body. For example, the sternum (breastbone) and parts of the ribs can be seen and palpated (felt) on the front of the chest.

Anatomical imaging - It uses radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other technologies to create pictures of internal structures.

Anatomical anomalies - Physical characteristics that differ from the normal pattern.

Physiology - The scientific investigation of the processes or functions of living things.

Cell physiology - It examines the processes occurring in cells such as energy production from food, and systemic physiology considers the functions of organ systems.

Systemic physiology - Considers the functions of organ systems.

Pathology - The medical science dealing with all aspects of disease, with an emphasis on the cause and development of abnormal conditions, as well as the structural and functional changes resulting from disease.

Exercise physiology - Focuses on the changes in function and structure caused by exercise.

Tissue - Composed of a group of similar cells and the materials surrounding them.

Organ - Composed of two or more tissue types that perform one or more common functions. Examples of organs include: the urinary bladder, heart, stomach, and lung.

Organ system - A group of organs that together perform a common function or set of functions and are therefore viewed as a unit. For example, the urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Organism - Any living thing considered as a whole—whether composed of one cell, such as a bacterium, or of trillions of cells, such as a human.

Organization - Refers to the specific interrelationships among the parts of an organism and how those parts interact to perform specific functions.

Metabolism - The ability to use energy and to perform vital functions.

Responsiveness - Organism’s ability to sense changes in its external or internal environment and adjust to those changes.

Integumentary System - Provides protection, regulates temperature, prevents water loss, and helps produce vitamin D. Consists of skin, hair, nails and sweat glands.

Skeletal System - Provides protection and support, allows body movements, produces blood cells, and stores minerals and adipose. Consists of bones, associated cartilages, ligaments, and joints.

Muscular System - Produces body movements, maintains posture, and produces body heat. Consists of muscles attached to the skeleton by tendons.

Nervous System - A major regulatory system that detects sensations and controls movements, physiological processes, and intellectual functions. Consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors.

Endocrine System - A major regulatory system that influences metabolism, growth, reproduction, and many other functions. Consists of glands, such as the pituitary, that secrete hormones.

Cardiovascular System - Transports nutrients, waste products, gases, and hormones throughout the body; plays a role in the immune response and the regulation of body temperature. Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Lymphatic System - Removes foreign substances from the blood and lymph, combats disease, maintains tissue fluid balance, and absorbs dietary fats from the digestive tract. Consists of the lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other lymphatic organs.

Respiratory System - Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and air and regulates blood pH. Consists of the lungs and respiratory passages.

Digestive System - Performs the mechanical and chemical processes of digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of wastes. Consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs.

Urinary System - Removes waste products from the blood and regulates blood pH, ion balance, and water balance. Consists of the kidneys, urinary bladder, and ducts that carry urine.

Female Reproductive System - Produces oocytes and is the site of fertilization and fetal development; produces milk for the newborn; produces hormones that influence sexual function and behaviors. Consists of the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands, and associated structures

Male Reproductive System - Produces and transfers sperm cells to the female and produces hormones that influence sexual functions and behaviors. Consists of the testes, accessory structures, ducts, and penis.