What area of study examines how organisms function?

• A. Anatomy
• B. Physiology
• C. Biomechanics
• D. Motor skills

Answer: (B)

The area of study that examines how organisms function is physiology. This field focuses on understanding the various processes and mechanisms that occur within living organisms, including how systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems operate and interact to maintain homeostasis and support life.

Physiology encompasses studies on how muscles contract, how the heart pumps blood, and how the body responds to exercise, among other vital functions. This knowledge is essential in physical education, as it helps educators understand how to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles effectively, ensuring that individuals can optimize their physical performance and health outcomes.

In contrast, anatomy deals primarily with the structure of organisms and their parts, biomechanics explores the mechanical aspects of movement and the physical laws governing human motion, while motor skills focus on the development and control of physical movements. Each of these areas contributes to our understanding of health and movement, but physiology specifically tackles the functional processes within organisms.