What does physiology focus on in the context of biological sciences?

Physiology is a branch of biological sciences that specifically studies the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts. In this context, the focus is on understanding how various body systems operate, including how they interact with each other to maintain homeostasis and support the life of the organism. This encompasses a wide range of topics, such as how muscles contract, how the heart pumps blood, and how organs work together to perform essential functions.

Choosing the focus on function rather than structure (as in the case of anatomy), classification of organisms, or metabolic processes highlights the unique contribution of physiology to our understanding of life sciences. While the structure of organisms, classification, and chemical reactions are all important aspects of biology, physiology distinctly emphasizes the dynamic mechanisms that sustain life at the organismal level.