Anatomy and physiology (A&P) are closely related fields of biology that underpin most of medicine. Anatomy is the study of the physical parts and structures that form something (generally the human body), whereas physiology is the study of their functions and processes. These two subjects are often taught in combination. Such a course usually focuses primarily on organ systems, organs, and their interactions, but often also discusses other levels of organization, such as tissues, cells, and biochemistry.
References Betts, J. Gordon; Young, Kelly A.; Wise, James A.; Johnson, Eddie; Poe, Brandon; Kruse, Dean H.; Korol, Oksana; Johnson, Jody E.; Womble, Mark; et al. (20 April 2022). "Preface". Anatomy and Physiology 2e. Houston, Texas: OpenStax, Rice University. Retrieved 2026-08-08. "Anatomy and Physiology". Medicine LibreTexts. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 2026-08-08. Publisher Summary of: Blanchard, Susan (2005). "3 - ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY". Introduction to Biomedical Engineering. Elsevier. pp. 73–125. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-238662-6.50005-7. ISBN 978-0-12-238662-6. Retrieved 2026-08-08. "What Is the Difference Between Anatomy and Physiology?". Anatomy Warehouse. Retrieved 2026-08-08. "Course Contents at a Glance". Anatomy and Physiology I. Lumen Learning: Simple Book Production; SUNY OER (State University of New York Open Educational Resources). Retrieved 2026-08-08.
See also Outline of biology Outline of human anatomy Outline of physiology