U1 Lecture 1 Flashcards
-Living Systems - Biological Organization - Homeostasis and Feedback loops - Scientific Method - Equilibrium vs. Steady state
What are the characteristics of living systems?
- Metabolism
- Responsiveness
- Movement
- Growth and Differentiation
- Reproduction
Define Metabolism
The sum of all chemical processes that occur in the body
What makes up Metabolism?
Catabolism and Anabolism
Define catabolism
The breakdown of large molecules into small ones
Define Anabolism
The construction of larger molecules from small ones
Define Responsiveness
The ability to respond to change in the internal or external environment
Define Movement
The transition at any structural level between the body, an organ, a cell, or cell component
Define Growth and Differentiation
Growth = Increase in number or size of cells or the material found between cells Differentiation = Specialization of cells for a specific purpose
Define Reproduction
Formation of new cells and the formation of new individuals
What are the levels of Structural Organization?
- Chemical Level
- Cellular Level
- Tissue Level
- Organ Level
- Organ System Level
- Organismic Level
What is the chemical level?
The atomic or molecular level
What is the cellular level?
The smallest living unit of the body
What is the tissue level?
A group of cells and the materials surrounding them that work together on one task
What is the organ level?
Grouping of 2+ tissue types into a recognizable structure with specific functions
What is the organ system level?
Collection of related organs with a common function
What is the organismic level?
One living individual
Define Homeostasis
The condition in which the body’s internal environment remains relatively constant within physiological limits
Explain the Scientific Method
- Observation
- Hypothesis and Prediction
- Experimental Testing
- Analysis and Conclusion
- Development of a new hypothesis
Physiological Limit and Viability
Living systems exist within limits of heat, moisture, pressure, and chemical conposition
How is homeostasis maintained?
Feedback loops
Define negative feedbackloops
- original stimulus is reversed
- most feedback systems in the body are negative
- used for conditions that need frequent adjustment
- EX: body temp, blood sugar levels
- EX: body temp increases and systems in the body will then lower it
Define positive feedback loops
- original stimulus is intensified
- EX: normal childbirth
Define Steady State
A ‘constant’ state maintained through time
- Maintenance of homeostasis is energetically ‘expensive’
Define Equilibrium
A constant state achieved without energy expenditure
- Equilibrium is a special case of Steady-State
Define Anatomy
The study of body structures
Define Physiology
The study of body functions
