Physiology: meaning, definitions and examples

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physiology

 

[ ˌfɪziˈɒlədʒi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological science

Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the processes of organ systems, cellular functions, and the overall homeostasis of organisms.

Synonyms

biological science, functional biology, life science

Examples of usage

  • The physiology of the brain is a fascinating area of study.
  • In physiology classes, we learn about how different systems in the body interact.
  • Understanding cardiac physiology is essential for treating heart diseases.

Translations

Translations of the word "physiology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fisiologia

🇮🇳 शारीरिक विज्ञान

🇩🇪 Physiologie

🇮🇩 fisiologi

🇺🇦 фізіологія

🇵🇱 fizjologia

🇯🇵 生理学

🇫🇷 physiologie

🇪🇸 fisiología

🇹🇷 fizyoloji

🇰🇷 생리학

🇸🇦 علم وظائف الأعضاء

🇨🇿 fyziologie

🇸🇰 fyziológia

🇨🇳 生理学

🇸🇮 fiziologija

🇮🇸 lífeðlisfræði

🇰🇿 физиология

🇬🇪 ფიზიოლოგია

🇦🇿 fiziologiya

🇲🇽 fisiología

Word origin

The term 'physiology' is derived from the Ancient Greek words 'phusis,' meaning 'nature,' and 'logos,' meaning 'study' or 'discourse.' The word was first used in the mid-14th century to describe the study of nature and the function of living organisms. Over time, physiology evolved to refer specifically to the functions of the biological systems within organisms. In the 19th century, physiology became more distinct as a scientific discipline, distinguished from anatomy, which focused on the structure of organisms. As scientific methods advanced, physiology expanded to incorporate more complex concepts such as homeostasis, metabolic pathways, and the mechanistic understanding of cells and interactions within systems. Today, physiology plays a crucial role in understanding health and disease, informing medical practices and biological research.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,155 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.