Final answer:
The study of the internal and external structures of the human body is encompassed by human anatomy and physiology, which examine the body's structures and their functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology
The study of the internal and external structures of the human body is best described by human anatomy and human physiology.
Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures which can be seen, manipulated, measured, and weighed.
These structures range from minute ones, visible only under a microscope, to larger systems like the muscular and skeletal systems.
Gross anatomy involves the study of larger, macroscopic structures, while microscopic anatomy focuses on structures that require magnification.
Conversely, human physiology delves into the chemical and physical functions of these structures, describing how they work together to maintain the life processes and homeostasis of the body.
Fields such as regional anatomy and systemic anatomy provide different approaches to studying the body's composition, focusing on specific regions or systems, respectively.
Additionally, advances in technology, such as computer-assisted imaging techniques and X-rays, allow clinicians to non-invasively observe structures within the living body.
This is essential for diagnosing conditions like tumors or fractures. The disciplines of anatomy and physiology are interconnected; the complex interplay between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) is fundamental to understanding the workings of the human body.