What term refers to the study of bodily functions?

The term that refers to the study of bodily functions is physiology. Physiology focuses on how various systems of the body work together to maintain homeostasis and support life. It encompasses the intricate biological processes that occur within organisms, ranging from cellular functions to the workings of entire organ systems.

Anatomy, on the other hand, deals with the structure of the body and the relationships among its parts. While anatomy provides a foundation for understanding physiology, it does not directly address how those structures function. Pathology involves the study of disease and its effects on bodily functions, so it examines the changes that occur in physiology due to disease rather than normal function. Histology, meanwhile, is the study of tissues at the microscopic level, focusing on their structure and organization rather than their functional aspects. Thus, physiology is specifically concerned with how the body operates and maintains its functions, making it the correct term in this context.