Developmental physiology is the study of how living organisms grow and change over time. Other synonyms for this term include developmental biology, growth and development, and morphogenesis. These disciplines focus on the processes that allow individuals to reach maturity, including the cellular and molecular interactions that control differentiation, proliferation, and maturation. They also investigate how organisms respond to environmental stimuli during growth and development. Researchers in these fields may study a range of organisms, from single-celled organisms to complex, multicellular animals and plants. Ultimately, the goal of developmental physiology research is to better understand how living things work and to apply this knowledge to improving human health and well-being.