Which field focuses on how anatomical structures function?

The focus of physiology is on understanding how anatomical structures function and interact within living organisms. It delves into the processes and mechanisms that operate at various levels, from cellular functions to complex organ systems. For example, physiology examines how the heart pumps blood, how muscles contract, and how the nervous system transmits signals, essentially linking form (anatomy) with function.

In contrast, anatomy primarily involves the study of the structure and organization of living things without delving into how these structures operate. Pathophysiology combines aspects of anatomy and physiology but focuses more on the changes in bodily function due to disease or injury rather than normal functioning. Histology is the microscopic study of tissues, which, while it provides important insights into structure, does not address how these structures operate within the context of the living organism.

Thus, physiology is the discipline that best encapsulates the exploration of structure-function relationships within biological systems.