The study of the processes of living organisms, or why and how they work, is called what?

• A. Physiology
• B. Anatomy
• C. Pathology
• D. Biochemistry

Answer: (A)

Understanding how living organisms function is the focus of physiology. It studies the processes and mechanisms that keep life running—how cells, tissues, and organs work together, respond to changes, and maintain balance in the body. For example, physiology explains how the heart pumps blood, how the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, and how hormones regulate metabolism and growth. Anatomy, in contrast, is about structure and form. Pathology looks at disease and how it disrupts function, and biochemistry focuses on the chemical reactions and molecules inside cells. Since this question emphasizes studying the processes that underlie how and why living things work, physiology is the best fit.