Chapter 1 - Intro to Physio

Question 1

Compare the terms physiology and pathophysiology (pathology)

Answer 1

• physiology: study of biological function; how the body works; is concerned with normal function of cells to the organism
• pathophysiology: study of diseased conditions; concerned with how disease/injury affects physiological processes

Question 2

Why is it important to understand physiology before you study pathology?

Answer 2

Without a basic understanding of how the body works, it would be impossible to understand how disease affects normal physiological processes

Question 3

What is homeostasis?

Why is maintaining homeostasis important for survival?

Answer 3

mechanism that enables cells to maintain a constant internal environment

internal environment must be maintained for survival; cells will only survive within “normal ranges” of certain conditions

Question 4

_______ from homeostasis may indicate disease

Answer 4

deviation

Question 5

homeostasis is accomplished most often by _________ feedback loops

Answer 5

negative
(NFL allow organisms to maintain homeostasis for cell survival)

Question 6

Define/describe the negative feedback loop

Give examples of other body functions that utilize the negative feedback loop

Answer 6

• occurs when the product of a reaction leads to a decrease in that reaction (ex. if product is too high/out of normal range, production of product is brought down by the stopping of the chemical reaction)
• brings system closer to normal range
• stabilizes system; maintains constant levels of output
• a type of self regulating system
• body temp regulation, blood sugar regulation, blood pH

Question 7

How does positive feedback differ from negative feedback?

Give examples of a positive feedback loop

Answer 7

• PFB: amplifies change; results in more of a product; moves target away from st. pt.
• NFB: reduce change; results in less of a product; moves target toward st. pt.

ex. childbirth contractions, blood clotting