Introduction to Physiology Course Quiz

Introduction to Physiology

• This is a course on physiology by Dr. Arzu Temizyürek at Altınbaş University.
• Her contact information is available.
• The subject of the course appears to be the functions of living organisms.
• The course has identified suggested sources to help students learn more about the subject. This includes medical physiology textbooks, and other texts.

Syllabus

• The syllabus covers topics including introduction to physiology, cell membrane properties and transport, cell signaling, body fluid regulation, acid-base balance, membrane and action potentials, muscle contractions, smooth muscle, synapse and synaptic transmission, neuromuscular junction, and the peripheral nervous system.

Physiology Definition

• Physiology is the science of body functions.
• It's derived from the Greek words "physis" (nature) and "logos" (science) .
• Physiology is an integrative science dealing with the basic functions of living organisms.

Physiology Focus

• The focus of physiology is on the organs and systems within the human body.
• The human body has 11 organ systems; this material identifies some of them and their components.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis is defined as "staying same" or "being almost stable".
• Homeostasis is a process that maintains the stability of the human body.
• Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment in response to changes in external conditions.

Homeostatic Regulation

• Homeostatic regulation is the maintenance of internal conditions within a set limit.
• Long-distance communication in the body is accomplished mainly by the nervous and endocrine systems.
• The nervous system uses neural electrical impulses, these are rapid, short-term, and specific responses.
• The endocrine system uses hormones, these are slow to act, but long-lasting.

Levels of structural organization

• The levels of structural organization in the body include atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms. These levels are hierarchical.
• The different levels have varying functions, working together to maintain the organism.

Homeostatic Regulation Feedback Loops

• Homeostatic regulation involves a receptor/sensor to detect stimulus (changes), a control/integration center that processes the information from the receptor, and an effector that responds to the stimulus.
• Negative feedback loops counteract changes in the variable, helping to maintain stability.
• Positive feedback loops escalate the change; though they can be useful, they also play a role in disease.

Negative Feedback

• Negative feedback is a process that counters changes in conditions and helps maintain homeostasis.
• Negative feedback is a way the body can keep internal conditions stable.
• Negative feedback loops stabilize a variable.

Fluid-Electrolyte Balance

• Fluid-electrolyte balance is an example of negative feedback in the body: sensors detect changes in body fluids, and the body adjusts to return to homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

• Positive feedback is a loop in which the output amplifies the initial stimulus.
• Positive feedback loops can be useful but also lead to disease.
• For example, blood clotting occurs through a positive feedback loop, causing an escalating degree of clotting until a plug is formed.
• Other examples, include: birth (contractions), and others.

Levels of Organization and Related Fields of Study

• There is a relationship between the levels of organization and related fields of study.
• Physiology is influenced by other fields like chemistry, molecular biology, etc, and has overlaps with ecology.

Interrelation of Physiology and Clinic

• Disease states are considered disturbances or disorders of the body's functions that do not meet the standard for normal physiology.
• Physiologic conditions lead to a normal state, and healthy functioning.
• Pathologic conditions lead to disease (deviation from normal functioning).
• A physiological condition may result from the external or internal environment, resulting in an illness or disease.