Module 1

Question 1

What is physiology?

Answer 1

The study of the normal functioning of a living organism and its component parts, including all its chemical and physical processes.

Question 2

Function vs Mechanism

Answer 2

A function is considered a teleological approach (WHY do red blood cells transport oxygen?)
A mechanism is considered a mechanistic approach (HOW do red blood cells transport oxygen?)

Question 3

What is homeostasis?

Answer 3

The ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment in spite of exposure to external variability.

Question 4

What is a dynamic steady state?

Answer 4

The internal environment is in a relatively steady state but is dynamic in that materials are constantly moving back and forth between the extracellular fluid.

Question 5

Local control vs reflex control

Answer 5

Local control is restricted to tissues or cells involved in regulation.
Reflex control is widespread throughout the body and uses more complex control systems to maintain homeostasis.

Question 6

What is a negative feedback loop and what does it do?

Answer 6

A negative feedback loop is a pathway in which the response opposes or removes the signal.
It stabilizes a system and can restore the initial state, but cannot prevent the initial disturbance.

Question 7

What is a positive feedback loop and what does it do?

Answer 7

Positive feedback loops are not used to maintain homeostasis. They reinforce a stimulus to drive the system away from a normal value rather than decreasing or removing it.
It requires intervention to cease the response.

Question 8

What are biorhythms? What is an example of one?

Answer 8

Biorhythms are variables that change predictably and create repeating patterns or cycles of changes.
An example is circadian rhythm.