Module 1

Question 1

Define Physiology

Answer 1

study of normal function of living organism and it’s counterparts (chemical and physical)

Question 2

List the levels of organization of physiology. Define each

Answer 2

1. Molecules - building block of cells
2. Cells - Smallest structure capable of carrying out life processes
3. Tissue - collection of cells carrying out related functions
4. Organs - formation of tissues into a structural and functional unit
5. Organ systems - intergraded group of organs
6. Organisms -
7. Population of a species -

Question 3

What does a Function Physiology approach focus on?

Answer 3

It focuses on why a particular function has to occur

Question 4

what does a mechanism physiology approach focus on?

Answer 4

It focuses on how a process occurs in order to carry out it’s end goal

Physiology often focuses on this approach

Question 5

Define Homeostasis

Answer 5

ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment despite external variability

Question 6

What is defined as the Internal environment on an organism

Answer 6

The Extracellular fluid: buffer between cells and external environment

Question 7

What is the law of mass balance for homeostasis?

Answer 7

In order to maintain homeostasis or a constant level, any input must be matched by an equal output

Question 8

define dynamic steady state

Answer 8

a stable disequilibrium

Question 9

define control systems

Answer 9

regulated variables kept within a normal range by control mechanisms

Question 10

What is the basic layout of a control system?

Answer 10

1. an input signal caused by a change
2. the input signal is sensed by an integrating center
3. the integrating center causes an output signal
4. the output single triggers a response to counteract the change

Question 11

what is a local control system?

Answer 11

restricted to a small area of the body such as tissues or cells

Question 12

What is a reflex control?

Answer 12

uses long-distance signaling
can have multiple targets
tend to use nervous system, endocrine system or both
Can have 2 parts, a response loop and feedback loop

feedback loop actively modulates the degree of output signal

Question 13

What are the three types of feedback loops? explain them

Answer 13

Positive: are not homeostatic. drives stimulus to cause response further and further away from original value

Negative: response of control system removes / reduces the initial stimulus. Can restore initial state but cannot prevent the initial disturbance.

Feed-forward: causes changes before the initial disturbance occurs

Question 14

Define biological rhythms

Answer 14

variables that change predictably and create repeating patterns or cycles of changes