Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the field of study that focuses on the functions of living organisms and their parts?

1. Biochemistry

2. Physiology

3. Anatomy

4. Pathology

The correct answer is: Physiology

The field of study that specifically focuses on the functions of living organisms and their parts is physiology. Physiology examines how various systems within an organism operate and interact to maintain life. This includes understanding processes such as respiration, digestion, circulation, and neural function, among others. By analyzing these functions, physiologists gain insights into how the body responds to different stimuli and adjustments it makes to ensure survival and stability. In contrast, biochemistry studies the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms, providing a molecular-level understanding but not specifically focusing on the functions of whole organisms. Anatomy, on the other hand, is the study of the structure of organisms and their parts, which involves a detailed look at shapes, sizes, and relationships rather than functions. Pathology is concerned with the study of disease and its effects on bodily functions, focusing on the changes that occur when normal physiological processes are disrupted. Thus, physiology stands out as the discipline dedicated to understanding the functions of living organisms and their components.