Which term is the study of how the body functions?

• A. Anatomy
• B. Medical Terminology
• C. Infection Control
• D. Physiology

Answer: (D)

Physiology is the study of how the body functions, focusing on the processes and mechanisms that keep you alive and functioning. It looks at how organs and systems work individually and together—how the heart pumps, how lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, how hormones regulate activities, and how the body maintains balance (homeostasis) amid changes in the environment. For example, you’d explore how electrical impulses coordinate heartbeats, how kidneys filter blood and regulate fluids, and how muscles contract in response to signals. This emphasis on function and regulation distinguishes physiology from anatomy, which is about the structure and location of body parts. Medical terminology deals with the language used to describe medical concepts, and infection control is about preventing infections in healthcare settings.