General Physiology Overview

The basic structural and functional unit of life in the body.

A group of similar cells performing a specific function.

A structure formed by two or more types of tissues performing a specific task.

A group of organs working together to perform a larger function.

Maintaining a stable internal environment in the body.

Extracellular fluid; the fluid outside of cells, containing essential substances for cell survival.

Self-regulating system in the body maintaining stable internal conditions.

Four major types of tissues in the body: muscle, nervous, epithelial, and connective.

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body, despite external changes.

A process where part of the output from a system is returned to the input to regulate the system's function.

A feedback mechanism that reverses a change in a system, returning it to its original state.

The process of maintaining a stable body temperature within the normal range, often involving the skin and respiratory system.

Maintaining the correct balance of acidity (low pH) and alkalinity (high pH) in the body fluids.

The process of obtaining essential nutrients for growth and maintenance of body cells.

Delivering the oxygen cells need and removing the carbon dioxide they produce.

Keeping the right amount of water in the body fluids for optimal cell function and preventing dehydration.

The total amount of water in the human body, approximately 40 liters.

Fluid within body cells, accounting for 55% of total body water (approximately 22 liters).

Fluid outside of body cells, making up 45% of total body water (approximately 18 liters).

Maintaining the right amount of water in the body, with intake equaling loss.

Significant loss of water from the body, causing decreased water content.

A condition resulting from consuming too much water, potentially leading to imbalances.

The amount of water consumed daily, which includes liquids, food, and metabolic water, approximately 2500 ml.

The amount of water lost from the body daily via urine, feces, sweat, and respiration; approximately 2500ml.

A process where a system responds to a change by reversing it, thus maintaining stability.

Thyroid gland secretions are controlled via a negative feedback loop; high levels inhibit further secretion, and low levels stimulate it.

A process where a system responds to a change by amplifying it, moving further in the same direction, often used for emergencies.

An example of a positive feedback; the formation of prothrombin activator stimulates further clotting.

Most of the body is water, typically varying between 45% to 75%, depending on age and sex, with around 60% in young males.

Body fluids are distributed in various compartments; water moves constantly between these compartments

A feedback loop; following a message, effectors send inhibitory signals and the system regulates its own function via halting or reversing signals.

Body fluids are distributed among different fluid compartments that play unique roles.