Anatomy is the study of the structure and relationship between body parts. Physiology is the study of the function of body parts and the body as a whole. ... Gross (macroscopic) anatomy is the study of body parts visible to the naked eye, such as the heart or bones.
Anatomy vs. Physiology. Students of anatomy learn about the structure of body parts, while those enrolled in physiology study the functions and relationships of body parts. While these two fields are often paired together in the same class or program title, they may also be offered separately.
Gross anatomy is subdivided into surface anatomy (the external body), regional anatomy (specific regions of the body), and systemic anatomy (specific organ systems).
Microscopic anatomy is subdivided into cytology (the study of cells) and histology (the study of tissues).