Introduction to Human Physiology

Introduction to Human Physiology

• Human Physiology is the study of the functions of the human body
• When studying a function, consider "Why?" and "How?"
• Understand the goal and mechanism of the function
• Structure is related to function at multiple levels: whole body, systems, organs, tissues, and cells

Body Systems

• Circulatory: Organs: Heart, blood vessels, blood; Function: Transport of blood throughout the body's tissues
• Respiratory: Organs: Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs; Function: Exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen, regulation of hydrogen ion concentration
• Digestive: Organs: Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder; Function: Digestion and absorption of organic nutrients, salts, and water
• Urinary: Organs: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra; Function: Regulation of plasma composition through controlled excretion of salts, water, and organic wastes
• Musculoskeletal: Organs: Bone, skeletal muscle, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, joints; Function: Support, protection, movement of the body, production of blood cells
• Immune: Organs: White blood cells, lymph vessels and nodes, spleen, thymus; Function: Defense against foreign invaders, return of extracellular fluid to blood, formation of white blood cells
• Nervous: Organs: Brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, special sense organs; Function: Regulation and coordination of body activities, detection of changes in internal and external environments, states of consciousness, learning, and cognition
• Endocrine: Organs: All glands secreting hormones (pancreas, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal); Function: Regulation and coordination of many body activities, including growth and metabolism
• Reproductive: Organs: Male: Testes, penis, associated ducts and glands; Female: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands; Function: Production of sperm or ova, provision of a nutritive environment for the developing embryo and fetus
• Integumentary: Organs: Skin and sweat glands; Function: Protection against injury and dehydration, defense against foreign invaders, regulation of body temperature

The Cell

• Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms
• Cells contain a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane and various organelles.

Cell Organelles

• Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.
• Mitochondria: Generate energy (ATP) for the cell. The inner membrane folds into cristae.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Interconnected tubes and parallel membranes enclosing cisternae. Rough ER has ribosomes; smooth ER lacks ribosomes. SER and RER are involved in various synthetic and storage functions.
• Ribosomes: Granules containing protein and rRNA; responsible for protein synthesis.
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
• Lysosomes: Digest cellular waste and foreign materials.
• Peroxisomes: Break down hydrogen peroxide to prevent its harmful effects.
• Cell Membrane: Boundary of the cell; a fluid mosaic model of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins.

This quiz covers the essential functions of the human body and the relationship between structure and function across various body systems. Topics include the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and musculoskeletal systems, emphasizing their organs and primary functions. Assess your knowledge of human physiology fundamentals.