Basic Sciences in Medicine

Anatomy is the study of the physical structure of organisms. In contrast to macroscopic or gross anatomy, cytology and histology are concerned with microscopic structures. Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry that occurs in living organisms, especially the structure and function of their chemical components. Biostatistics is the application of statistics to biological fields in the broadest sense. A knowledge of biostatistics is essential in planning, evaluating and interpreting medical research. It is also essential for the epidemiology and evidence-based medicine.

Cytology is the microscopic examination of individual cells.

Embryology is the study of early development of organisms.

Epidemiology is the study of the demographic development of the disease process, and include but are not limited to the study of epidemics. Genetics is the study of genes and their role in biological inheritance.

Histology is the study of the structure of biological tissues by light microscopy, and Electron microscopy Immunohistochemistry. Immunology is the study of the immune system, which includes the innate and adaptive immune systems in humans, for example. Medical physics is the study of the applications of physics principles in medicine.

Microbiology is the study of micro-organisms, including protozoa, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Neuroscience includes those sciences related to the study of the nervous system. A main focus of neuroscience is the biology and physiology of the human brain and spinal cord. Nutritional sciences (theoretical focus) and dietetics (practical focus) is the study of the relationship between the food and drink to health and disease, especially in the definition of an optimal diet. Medical nutrition therapy is done by dietitians and is prescribed for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, weight and eating disorders, allergies, malnutrition, and neoplastic diseases.

Pathology as a science is the study of disease causes, course, progression and resolution thereof.

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their actions. Physiology is the study of the normal functioning of the body and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Toxicology is the study of hazardous effects of drugs and poisons.