What area of study does microbiology encompass?

Microbiology is a branch of science that focuses on the study of microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic entities. This field examines the characteristics, behavior, and interactions of these tiny organisms with each other and their environments, including their roles in disease and health, their use in biotechnology, and their presence in ecosystems. Understanding microbiology is crucial in various applications like medicine, where knowledge of pathogens is essential for diagnosing and treating infections.

The other options represent distinct areas of study that do not align with the definitions or focus of microbiology. Human anatomy primarily deals with the structure of the body and its systems, chemical reactions in medicines fall under the domain of pharmacology or biochemistry, and the study of physical injuries is related to fields such as medicine and injury rehabilitation. Therefore, only the study of microorganisms accurately describes the scope of microbiology.