Lecture 2: Intro to Physiology

Question 1

what is physiology?

Answer 1

study of normal biological processes in the body linked to function. events only possible in a lab are not physiology

Question 2

physiology of type 1 diabetes

Answer 2

• autoimmune failure where body attacks own beta cells which normally make insulin
• insufficient insulin
• hyperglycaemia
• too much glucose in blood so kidney can’t reabsorb glucose
• glucose in urine
• excess fluid in urine
• weight loss, hunger, thirst, fatigue

Question 3

reaction in gastric parietal cells

Answer 3

• interstitial space donates H2O and CO2 to the cell
• acted on by carbonic anhydrase
• converted to HCO3- and H+
• H+ acid secreted into stomach
• HCO3- sent back to blood vessels
  H2O + CO2 ⇌ H2CO3 ⇌ H+ and HCO3-

Question 4

importance of carbonic anhydrase

Answer 4

• catalyses the reaction in both directions
• contributes indirectly to H+ crossing cell membranes
• helps indirectly transport CO2 around body in blood