Anatomy is the study of the structure and relationship between body parts. Physiology is the study of the function of body parts and the body as a whole. Gross (macroscopic) anatomy is the study of body parts visible to the naked eye, such as the heart or bones. Anatomy vs. Physiology. Students of anatomy learn about the structure of body parts, while those enrolled in physiology study the functions and relationships of body parts. While these two fields are often paired together in the same class or program title, they may also be offered separately.