What field of study focuses on the normal vital processes of the human body?

The field of study that focuses on the normal vital processes of the human body is physiology. Physiology examines how various systems of the body function, including processes such as respiration, circulation, digestion, and the regulation of internal environments. By studying physiology, practitioners gain insights into how healthy bodily functions operate, which is fundamental in fields like medicine, nursing, and, importantly for massage therapy, understanding the body's responses during treatment.

In contrast, pathology studies diseases and the effects they have on the body, making it centered on dysfunction rather than normal processes. Hygiene mainly pertains to health practices and the maintenance of cleanliness to promote health and prevent disease, rather than detailing normal body functions. Genetics studies heredity and the role of genes in the development of living organisms, focusing more on inheritance patterns and how genes affect traits rather than normal biological processes. Thus, physiology is specifically dedicated to understanding the healthy functioning of the human body.