Physiology is the study of how living organisms and their parts function, from cells and organs to whole bodies.
From Latin 'physiologia' meaning 'natural science', from Greek 'physiologia' meaning 'discourse on nature', from 'physis' (nature) and '-logia' (study of). It shifted to mean specifically the functions of living bodies.
If anatomy is the map of the body, physiology is the story of how that map comes alive. When you exercise, feel scared, or fall asleep, you’re watching physiology in action without even realizing it.
Physiology historically treated the male body as the default, with women’s bodies framed as deviations or primarily in terms of reproduction. This bias influenced medical research, education, and diagnostic criteria.
Use "physiology" for all bodies without implying a male norm; specify when research or discussion is limited to certain populations, and avoid pathologizing typical female or intersex physiology.
Women physiologists and medical researchers have been central in expanding understanding of cardiovascular, reproductive, and exercise physiology across genders, challenging earlier male-only models.
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