What does the field of cytology primarily study?

Cytology is the branch of biology that focuses specifically on the study of cells, including their structure, function, and behavior. This field encompasses various aspects of cell biology, such as the examination of cellular components (like the nucleus and organelles), cellular processes (like division and metabolic activity), and the way cells interact with each other and their environment.

This is distinct from histology, which studies tissues, and from physiology, which explores organ systems and their functions. While physical structures may be investigated in anatomy, cytology zeroes in on the microscopic elements that make up all living organisms, providing vital insights into health and disease at the cellular level. Therefore, the correct focus of cytology on cells directly aligns with the definition of the discipline.