Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Physiology is the branch of biology that studies the functions and mechanisms at work in living organisms, whether they are plants, animals, or humans.
This is the state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things. It's like your home's thermostat keeping your house at a constant temperature.
Pathophysiology: This is the study of how disease processes affect the function of the body. It's like investigating why your car isn't working properly when something goes wrong.
Endocrinology: This is the study of hormones and how they control bodily functions. Imagine it as being similar to understanding how turning on your car's air conditioning affects its overall performance.