What does physiology primarily encompass?

Physiology primarily encompasses the study of functions of organs and systems within living organisms. This field focuses on how biological systems operate, the processes that sustain life, and the mechanisms through which different parts of an organism interact to maintain health. By understanding physiology, one can gain insights into how organs function individually and collectively, how they respond to various stimuli, and how homeostasis is achieved in the body.

Other scientific disciplines, while related, do not primarily address the functional aspects of biological systems. The study of physical structures is more aligned with anatomy rather than physiology. Molecular compounds, which would be a focus of biochemistry or molecular biology, deal with the chemical foundations of biological processes rather than the functions of the organs themselves. Investigating evolutionary biology typically centers on how species change over time and the adaptations that arise, rather than the functional workings of organs and systems in the current context. Thus, the core of physiology is distinctly about understanding how biological systems perform their roles in life.