Which field encompasses the study of the functions of body parts and the body as a whole?

The study of physiology focuses specifically on the functions of the body and its various parts, examining how these components work together to sustain life and maintain homeostasis. Physiology investigates processes such as digestion, respiration, circulation, and neural function, providing insights into how different systems interact and contribute to overall health and functioning.

In contrast, anatomy deals primarily with the structure and organization of the body, looking at body parts, their locations, and relationships to one another, rather than their functions. Histology, the microscopic study of tissues, further narrows the focus to the cellular structure and organization of tissues, while neurophysiology specifically studies the functions of the nervous system, a subset of physiology. Therefore, physiology is the most comprehensive in relation to understanding how body systems operate together.