What is the focus of cytology?

Cytology is the branch of biology that focuses specifically on the study of cells, encompassing their formation, structure, and function. This discipline is crucial for understanding how cells behave, how they interact with one another, and how they contribute to the overall functioning of living organisms. By examining cells, cytology provides insights into various biological processes, including growth, development, and disease mechanisms, making it an essential field within both medical and biological sciences.

The other options present different areas of study: the examination of organ systems pertains to anatomy and physiology, human behavior analysis relates to psychology, and environmental research focuses on ecological studies. Each of these areas has its own distinct goals and methodologies, whereas cytology is specifically centered on the cellular level of biological organization.