What does physiology mean?
Physiology is the branch of biology that examines how living things and their parts function. It studies processes such as circulation, respiration, digestion, growth, reproduction, and responses to environmental changes. Medical physiology concentrates chiefly on the human body, while plant physiology examines how plants absorb water, make food through photosynthesis, transport substances, and respond to their surroundings. The word can also refer more narrowly to the characteristic operations of a particular organism or system: a speaker might describe a surprising animal behaviour as part of its physiology. Physiology is distinct from anatomy, which focuses on the structure of body parts, and from psychology, which concerns mental processes and behaviour. Together, anatomy and physiology explain both what living systems are made of and how those systems operate.
The branch of biology concerned with the functions and processes of living organisms and their organs and tissues.
"She studies comparative physiology, comparing how different animals regulate body temperature."
This is the principal academic and scientific sense.
The characteristic functioning or vital processes of a particular organism, organ, or system.
"The device monitors the physiology of the crop to determine when it is ready for harvest."
This sense is especially common in specialist biological, medical, and agricultural writing.
The plural is uncommon in general use but can be used when referring to different physiological systems or approaches.
"The course compares the physiologies of plants and animals."
The word physiology literally means the “study of nature,” a reminder that it grew from the Greek idea that the living body follows describable natural processes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does physiology come from?
Physiology comes from Greek physiologia, a compound of physio, meaning “nature” or “natural,” and -logia, meaning “study of.” The word entered English in the 16th century in the sense of a natural science or the study of nature. It later developed its modern specialized meaning relating to the functions of living organisms.
Related word forms
How physiology is actually used
In academic and medical contexts, physiology is the formal term for the study of bodily or organismal functions. The second sense, as in “the physiology of the system,” is used in specialist and explanatory prose.
Easily confused with physiology
Physiology studies the physical functions and mechanisms of living organisms, whereas psychology studies mental and emotional processes and behaviour.
Anatomy concerns the structure of body parts, while physiology concerns the functions and processes by which those parts operate.