Cell and Systemic Physiology Quiz

Cell Physiology

• Definition: Study of cellular functions and processes.
• Key Concepts:
  • Cell Membrane: Controls movement of substances in and out; selectively permeable.
  • Cellular Metabolism: Includes catabolism (breaking down molecules) and anabolism (building molecules).
  • Signal Transduction: Process by which cells respond to external signals through receptors.
  • Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.
  • Cell Communication: Involves chemical signals (hormones, neurotransmitters) and junctions (gap junctions, tight junctions).

Systemic Physiology

• Definition: Covers the functions of organ systems and their interactions.
• Key Organ Systems:
  • Circulatory System: Transports nutrients, gases, wastes; involves the heart and blood vessels.
  • Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange; includes lungs and airways.
  • Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients; includes stomach and intestines.
  • Nervous System: Coordinates body functions through neural signals; includes the brain and spinal cord.
  • Endocrine System: Regulates body processes through hormones; includes glands like the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Neurophysiology

• Definition: Study of the nervous system's function and activity.
• Key Concepts:
  • Neurons: Basic units of the nervous system; transmit electrical impulses.
  • Synapse: Junction between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
  • Action Potentials: Electrical impulses that travel along axons; essential for communication.
  • Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses (e.g., dopamine, serotonin).
  • Central vs. Peripheral Nervous System: CNS (brain and spinal cord) vs. PNS (nerves outside CNS).

Exercise Physiology

• Definition: Study of the body's responses and adaptations to physical activity.
• Key Concepts:
  • Energy Systems: ATP-PC (immediate), glycolytic (short-term), oxidative (long-term).
  • Muscle Contraction: Involves actin and myosin filaments; regulated by calcium ions and ATP.
  • Cardiovascular Response: Increased heart rate and blood flow during exercise for oxygen delivery.
  • Adaptations to Training: Improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular efficiency.
  • Recovery: Importance of rest and nutrition for muscle repair and performance enhancement.

Comparative Physiology

• Definition: Study of physiological differences and similarities across species.
• Key Concepts:
  • Adaptations: How organisms adjust to their environments (e.g., thermoregulation in mammals vs. reptiles).
  • Functional Mechanisms: Variations in respiratory, circulatory, and reproductive systems among species.
  • Evolutionary Physiology: Studies how physiological traits evolve in response to environmental pressures.
  • Biomechanics: Examines movement and mechanical properties in different organisms.
  • Physiological Diversity: Insight into human physiology through understanding other species (e.g., model organisms in research).

Cell Physiology

• Focuses on cellular functions and processes that sustain life.
• Cell Membrane: Selectively permeable barrier regulating substance movement in and out of the cell.
• Cellular Metabolism: Divided into catabolism (energy release through molecule breakdown) and anabolism (energy use for molecule synthesis).
• Signal Transduction: Mechanism allowing cells to respond to external stimuli using specific receptors.
• Homeostasis: The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations.
• Cell Communication: Utilizes chemical signals like hormones, neurotransmitters, and direct connections through junctions such as gap and tight junctions.

Systemic Physiology

• Examines the functions and interactions of different organ systems within the body.
• Circulatory System: Responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and wastes; consists of the heart and blood vessels.
• Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange crucial for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion; involves lungs and airways.
• Digestive System: Breaks down food to absorb nutrients; includes the stomach and intestines.
• Nervous System: Integrates body functions via electrical neural signals; involves the brain and spinal cord.
• Endocrine System: Controls body processes through hormone release; includes glands like thyroid and adrenal glands.

Neurophysiology

• Investigates how the nervous system functions and its related activities.
• Neurons: Fundamental units responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the nervous system.
• Synapse: The site where neurons communicate, involving neurotransmitter release.
• Action Potentials: Electrical impulses necessary for neuron communication and muscle contraction.
• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers such as dopamine and serotonin that facilitate signal transmission across synapses.
• Differentiates between Central Nervous System (CNS) that includes the brain and spinal cord, and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) which comprises all other nerves.

Exercise Physiology

• Explores the body’s responses and adaptations to exercise and physical activity.
• Energy Systems: Include ATP-PC (immediate energy), glycolytic (short-term energy use), and oxidative (sustained energy).
• Muscle Contraction: Involves interaction of actin and myosin filaments, regulated by calcium ions and energy from ATP.
• Cardiovascular Response: Heart rate and blood flow to muscles increase during exercise for enhanced oxygen delivery.
• Adaptations to Training: Leads to improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall cardiovascular performance.
• Recovery: Emphasizes the critical role of rest and nutrition in muscle repair and enhancement of performance.

Comparative Physiology

• Analyzes the physiological variations and similarities across different species.
• Adaptations: Studies how organisms like mammals and reptiles adjust their physiological functions to survive in various environments (e.g., thermoregulation).
• Functional Mechanisms: Examines the diversity in respiratory, circulatory, and reproductive systems across species.
• Evolutionary Physiology: Explores how physiological traits evolve in response to ecological changes and challenges.
• Biomechanics: Investigates the movement and mechanical properties in various organisms to understand their functions.
• Physiological Diversity: Provides insights into human physiology by studying various species, using model organisms for research purposes.

Test your knowledge on cell and systemic physiology concepts. This quiz covers key topics such as cellular functions, metabolic processes, and the interactions between organ systems. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the functions of the human body.