1.2 Anatomy and Physiology IntegratedLEARNING OBJECTIVE1. Explain how the studies of form and function are interrelated.Anatomy and physiology initially may appear to be different sciences, but further reflection reveals that these two sciences are integrated, because form (anatomy) and function (physiology)are interrelated. Anatomists cannot gain a full appreciation of anatomic form without also understanding a structure's function. Likewise, physiologists cannot fully appreciate body functions without learning about the forms of the structures involved. For example, the small sacs in the lungs called alveoli provide a very large surface area for gas exchange, and therefore their structure contributes to respiratory function.Integrating the disciplines of anatomy and physiology, rather than trying to separate discussion ofform and function, is the easiest way to learn about both fields. Look at table 1.1 again, and note that anatomists and physiologists may be describing the organs slightly differently, but both disciplines must use information from the other field for a full understanding of the organ system. You cannot fully understand how the small intestine propels food and digests or absorbs nutrients unless you know about the structure of the small intestine wall. Figure 1.1 compares how anatomists and physiologists examine the human body, and also shows how both sciences are integrated. Note that anatomists (left side of the figure) tend to focus on the form and structure, while physiologists (right side of figure) focus on the mechanisms and functions of these structures. However, both anatomists and physiologists understand that the form and function of structures are interrelated. Throughout this text, we integrate these disciplines so you can more easily see that anatomic form and physiologic function are inseparable.Page 4INTEGRATE CONCEPT OVERVIEWFigure 1.1Comparing How Anatomists and Physiologists Examine the Human Body(a) Anatomists focus on the form and structure of an organ, such as the small intestine. (b) Physiologists tend to focus on the function of an organ or system. However, both anatomists and physiologists recognize thatform and function are interrelated.WHAT DID YOU LEARN?Compare and contrast how anatomists and physiologists describe the