1- Intro & General Principles

Question 1

Define physiology

Answer 1

The science of life- a broad science which aims to understand the mechanisms of living from molecular basis of cell function to integrated behavior of the whole body, it is the study of how the human body works under normal conditions

Question 2

Regarding medical physiology, what is critical care medicine

Answer 2

It is basically the application of physiologic principles to the care of seriously ill patients

Question 3

Define homeostasis

Answer 3

It is a regulated process by which a biological system maintains dynamic but relatively consistent internal conditions during pressures incurred from both internal and external factors

Question 4

Explain the control and regulation process

Answer 4

An external stressor occurs which is sensed by a sensor, the data is relayed to integrator and coordinating center, the control signal is sent to an effector which causes alterations in the regulated variable

Question 5

List the level of organization

Answer 5

Atom-molecule-macromolecule-organelle-cell-tissue-organ-organ system-organism

Question 6

Example: control system for arterial blood pressure

Answer 6

Sensors:
Aortic arch baroreceptors via CN X.
Carotid sinus baroreceptors via CN IX.

Integrator:
Nucleus tracts solitarus (medulla)

Coordinating center:
Vasoconstrictor 
Cardiac accelerator 
(Sympathetic)
Cardiac decelerator
(Parasympathetic)

Effectors:
Vasoconstrictor to veins & arterioles (blood vessels)
Cardiac accelerator to contractility and SA nodes (heart)
Cardiac decelerator to SA node (heart & blood vessels)

Question 7

What effect would aging and atherosclerosis have on carotid baroreceptors?

Answer 7

They can blunt baroreceptor responses due to stiffening of the vascular wall not allowing as much transduction of wall distension