Introduction to Physiology Flashcards
branch of biology that deals with the normal functions and activities of living organisms and their parts.
Physiology
focuses on understanding how various bodily systems and processes work together to maintain life and enable the organism to adapt to its environment.
Physiology
It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the functions of organs, tissues, cells, and molecules, as well as the mechanisms by which living organisms regulate and respond to changes in their internal and external environments.
Physiology
- helps the body maintain a
stable internal environment
Homeostasis
What are the three components of Homeostasis?
Receptor, Control center, Effector
- Examines the functions
of individual cells, including their metabolism, energy production, and specialized processes
such as cell division and signal transduction
Cellular physiology
- Focuses on understanding
how specific organs work, their structures, and
the functions they perform. This includes
organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Organ physiology
Explores the interactions between different organs to form
organ systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Systemic physiology
Investigates the complex
workings of the nervous system, including how nerve cells transmit signals, how the brain processes information, and how the body responds to various stimuli
Neurophysiology
Studies the endocrine
system and its hormones, which regulate
various physiological processes such as
metabolism, growth, and reproduction
Endocrine physiology
Examines the mechanics
of muscle contraction, the physiology of muscle tissues, and the role of muscles in movement.
Muscle physiology
- Explores the functions of the heart and blood vessels, including circulation, blood pressure regulation, and the transport of nutrients and gases.
Cardiovascular physiology
Focuses on the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange, and how the respiratory system maintains the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.
Respiratory physiology
Studies the processes involved in digestion, absorption of nutrients, and the functions of organs like the stomach, intestines, and liver.
Digestive physiology
Examines the functions of the kidneys, including filtration, reabsorption, and secretion, as well as their role in maintaining water and electrolyte balance
Renal physiology
- Investigates the processes of reproduction, including gamete production, fertilization, pregnancy, and the hormonal regulation of reproductive functions
Reproductive physiology
Compares physiological processes across different species to identify common principles and adaptations that have evolved over time
Comparative physiology
Focuses on understanding how various physiological systems interact and collaborate to maintain overall homeostasis within an organism
Integrative physiology
Explores how organisms adapt to different environments, such as extreme temperatures, high altitudes, or aquatic habitats
Environmental physiology
Physicians use knowledge of physiological
processes to diagnose and treat diseases. Understanding how different organs and systems function helps doctors identify abnormalities and determine appropriate treatments.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Physiological insights guide medical professionals in providing effective care. For example, knowing how medications are metabolized in the body helps ensure safe and appropriate dosages.
Patient care
Surgeons rely on physiological principles to perform procedures. Knowledge of blood circulation, organ function, and tissue healing is essential for successful surgeries.
Surgical procedures
A solid grasp of physiology informs health advice. Professionals can tailor exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle
recommendations based on how the body responds to different inputs.
Lifestyle recommendation
Understanding the physiological basis of diseases enables the development of preventive measures and strategies to maintain health and prevent illness.
Preventive care
Physiological research contributes to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms, drug interactions, and treatment outcomes. It lays the
foundation for medical advancements and breakthroughs.
Advancing medical knowledge
Pharmacologists and researchers study how drugs
interact with the body at a physiological level, leading to the development of more effective and
safe medications.
Drug development
Physiological experiments help researchers study
specific processes in controlled environments, contributing to the expansion of scientific
knowledge.
Experimental studies
Physiology is a fundamental component of medical
education. Medical students and healthcare
professionals need a strong understanding of
physiological principles to provide high-quality care.
Medical training
Physiology provides a basis for understanding life
processes, helping students grasp the intricacies of
living organisms and their functions.
Biology and Life sciences
Engineers use physiological principles to design
medical devices, prosthetics, and technologies that
interface with the human body.
Biomedical engineering
Professionals in the pharmaceutical sector require
physiological knowledge to develop effective drugs
and therapies
Pharmaceutical industry
Understanding physiological factors helps
epidemiologists study patterns of disease
occurrence, transmission, and risk factors
within populations.
Epidemiology
Physiological insights inform health policies and
regulations aimed at improving public health and
well- being.
Health policy
Coaches, trainers, and athletes utilize physiological principles to optimize training programs, enhance performance, and prevent injuries.
Performance enhancement
Understanding how the body responds to exercise and injuries aids in developing rehabilitation protocols.
Injury recovery
Physiology plays a role in understanding how organisms adapt to environmental changes, aiding conservation efforts and understanding ecosystem dynamics
Adaptation
Why study physiology?
Medicine
Health and Wellness
Research
Education
Biotechnology and Industry
Public health
Sports and Exercise
Environmental sciences
Levels of Organization in Living system
Chemical level
Cell level
Tissue level
Organ level
Organ system level
Organism level
The structural and functional characteristics of all organisms are determined by their chemical makeup.
involves how atoms, such as hydrogen and carbon, interact and combine into molecules.
This is important because a molecule’s structure determines its function.
Chemical level
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of organisms, such as plants and animals.
Molecules can combine to form organelles which are the small structures that makeup some cells.
Cell level
is a group of similar cells and the materials surrounding them. The characteristics of the cells and surrounding materials determine the functions of the tissue.
The many tissues that make up the body are classified into four primary types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.
Tissue level
is composed of two or more tissue types that together perform one or more common functions.
Examples of some of our organs include the heart, stomach, liver, and urinary bladder
Organ level
is a group of organs classified as a unit because of a common function or set of functions.
For example, the urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. The kidneys produce urine, which is
transported by the ureters to the urinary bladder, where it is stored until eliminated from the body by passing through the urethra.
Organ system level
Organism is any living thing considered as a whole, whether composed of one cell, such as a bacterium, or of trillions of cells, such as human.
The human organism is a complex of organ systems that are mutually dependent upon one another.
Organism level
What are the organ system of a human?
Intergumentary
Skeletal
Muscular
Nervous
Endocrine
Cardiovascular
Lymphatic
Respiratory
Digestive
Urinary
Reproductive
