Introduction to Physiology

Defined as the science of body functions, focusing on how body parts work together.
Investigates processes and functions of living organisms, aiming to understand and predict bodily responses to various stimuli.
Key focus on maintaining homeostasis—keeping internal conditions stable despite external changes.
Emphasis on examining bodily systems over specific regions, as functions often span multiple areas.

Cell Physiology: Studies cellular processes, including energy production and metabolism from nutrients.
Systemic Physiology: Investigates the functions of entire organ systems.
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Concerns the workings of the heart and blood vessel system.
- Neurophysiology: Focuses on the functions of the nervous system and its pathways.

Medical science that examines diseases, focusing on their causes and development.
Explores abnormal conditions and the structural and functional changes they induce in the body.

Anatomy investigates body structures, including shape and size, and examines the relationship between structure and function.
The term derives from Greek roots, meaning "to cut apart" for study.
Dissection is a traditional method used to explore relationships among body structures.
Different levels of anatomy include:
- Embryology: Focuses on changes from conception to the end of the eighth week of development.
- Developmental Anatomy: Studies structural changes from conception to adulthood.
- Cell Biology: Examines structural features of cells.
- Histology: Investigates tissues made of cells and their surrounding materials.
- Gross Anatomy: Studies structures visible without a microscope, approached systemically or regionally.
- Systemic Anatomy: Looks at organ systems.
- Regional Anatomy: Studies specific regions of the body.
- Surface Anatomy: Visualizes deeper structures through skin inspection and palpation (e.g., ribcage landmarks).
- Imaging Anatomy: Utilizes technologies like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to visualize internal structures non-invasively.
- Pathological Anatomy: Focuses on structural changes from disease.

Physiology studies body functions, emphasizing how body parts work together.
It explores processes of living organisms and aims to understand and predict bodily responses to stimuli.
Examines how the body maintains homeostasis within a narrow range of conditions.
Different levels of physiology include:
- Cell Physiology: Investigates cellular processes like energy production.
- Systemic Physiology: Considers functions of organ systems, including:
  - Cardiovascular Physiology: Focused on the heart and blood vessels.
  - Neurophysiology: Concerned with nervous system functions.

Pathology addresses medical aspects of disease, highlighting causes and development of abnormal conditions.
It studies structural and functional changes resulting from disease.

The chemical level determines the properties of organisms based on chemical composition.
It involves interactions and combinations of atoms forming molecules, which dictate functionality (e.g., collagen provides skin strength and flexibility).
Essential atoms include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur.