Human Physiology Exam 1 Material

Question 1

Is physiology closely related to Anatomy?

Answer 1

Yes, physiology is closely tied with anatomy at all levels of organization

Question 2

Physiology defined

Answer 2

Study of the normal functioning of a living organism and its component parts.

Question 3

Physiology Organization of life

Answer 3

• The cell is the smallest unit of structure capable of carrying out all life processes.
• Atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Question 4

Teleological approach

Answer 4

Function explains the “why”

Question 5

Mechanistic approach

Answer 5

Process or mechanism describes the “how”

Question 6

Example of Teleological approach: Red Blood Cells

Answer 6

Why do red blood cells transport oxygen?
▪ “Because cells need oxygen and red blood cells bring it to them.”

Question 7

Example of Mechanistic approach: Red Blood Cells

Answer 7

How does red blood cells transport oxygen?
▪ “Oxygen binds to hemoglobin molecules contained in the red blood
cells.

Question 8

Themes in physiology

Answer 8

Structure and function are closely related
– Molecular interactions
– Compartmentation
Living organisms need energy
Information flow coordinates body functions
Homeostasis maintains internal stability

Question 9

Homeostasis

Answer 9

• Maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment
• Regulated within a range of values, not a single value

Question 10

Critical homeostasis variables

Answer 10

• Environmental factors that affect cells
  – Materials for cell needs
  – Factors cells use to communicate with one another

Question 11

Disease state or pathological condition

Answer 11

• Failure to maintain homeostasis
• The study of body functions in a disease state is called pathophysiology
  – Example: diabetes mellitus – abnormally high blood glucose

Question 12

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Answer 12

The watery internal environment that surrounds the cells

Question 13

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Answer 13

Fluid within cells

Question 14

ECF serves as buffer zone between outside world and ICF

Answer 14

ECF needs to be kept relatively stable

Question 15

Plasma

Answer 15

Fluid component of blood

Question 16

Dynamic steady state

Answer 16

• Materials are constantly moving between two compartments
  – But no net movement between the compartments

Question 17

Equilibrium

Answer 17

Implies composition of compartments is identical
– But not the same as steady-state

Question 18

Homeostasis attempts to maintain the dynamic steady state

Answer 18

Disequilibrium

Question 19

Regulated variables are kept within normal range by control mechanisms

Answer 19

Keeps near setpoint, or optimum value

Question 20

Control systems—local and reflex

Answer 20

– Input signal
– Integrating center
– Output signal

Question 21

Is local control restricted to a tissue or cell

Answer 21

Yes, Local control restricted to a tissue or cell

Question 22

Does Reflex control use long-distance signaling

Answer 22

Yes, Reflex control uses long-distance signaling
– Response loop
– Uses nervous and/or endocrine systems