Introduction to Physiology: Homeostasis
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Questions and Answers

Define homeostasis.

Homeostasis is any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.

Describe a homeostatic process in the human body.

Body temperature regulation is a homeostatic process, controlled by the hypothalamus, which adjusts mechanisms like sweating and shivering based on temperature changes.

How does dysfunction in a single organ can lead to dysfunction of another organ?

Dysfunction in one organ, such as the heart, can affect blood flow and nutrient delivery to other organs, leading to a cascade of failures.

The skin helps regulate body temperature through _______.

<p>sweating</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of the renal system?

<p>Remove liquid waste from the blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

Negative feedback loops in physiological systems tend to slow down a process.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a positive feedback mechanism?

<p>It accelerates the process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to get rid of excess _______.

<p>heat</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cardiovascular system in homeostasis?

<p>The cardiovascular system supplies oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and helps regulate blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change happens to blood vessels in an effort to decrease heat?

<p>Vasodilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you predict his blood pressure was when EMTs arrived?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did they do about his blood pressure?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

Would they give him fluids?

<p>likely yes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Would they give him O2?

<p>likely yes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: respiratory rate?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: shallow or deep?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: BP?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: heart rate?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: cardiac output?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: temp—skin? core?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would have caused this person to have a seizure?

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would you counsel this patient/future patients to avoid this situation in the future?

<p>avoid triggers, maintain stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Controlled hypothermia is clinically induced __________ performed to reduce the metabolic rate.

<p>hypothermia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical term for an abnormally low body temperature?

<p>hypothermia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is used during controlled hypothermia?

<p>25–32°C (79–89°F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is maintained at a temperature below 15°C (60°F) during controlled hypothermia?

<p>heart</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inducing coma in the emergency department after cardiac arrest?

<p>to reduce metabolic rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

For how long is the patient's body temperature maintained at approximately 91 degrees after cardiac arrest?

<p>24 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Latin terms with their meanings.

<p>Apnea = Not breathing Bradycardia = Slow heart rate Hypertension = High blood pressure Neonatal = Newborn</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you predict his blood pressure was when EMTs arrived?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the EMTs do about the patient's blood pressure?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

Would the EMTs give him fluids?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

Would they give him O2?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: respiratory rate?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

Was his respiratory rate shallow or deep?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his blood pressure was?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his heart rate was?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his cardiac output was?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his temperature was—skin or core?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would have caused this person to have a seizure?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would you counsel this patient/future patients to avoid this situation in the future?

<p>answer not provided</p> Signup and view all the answers

Controlled hypothermia is clinically induced hypothermia performed to reduce the __________ of an organ or of a person’s entire body.

<p>metabolic rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

The body is cooled to ________°C when undergoing controlled hypothermia.

<p>25–32</p> Signup and view all the answers

When controlled hypothermia is used clinically, the patient is given medication to prevent __________.

<p>shivering</p> Signup and view all the answers

What temperature is the heart maintained at for the duration of surgery in controlled hypothermia?

<p>below 15°C</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long is the patient typically kept at lowered body temperature in the emergency department?

<p>approximately 24 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of controlled hypothermia during open-heart surgery?

<p>Reduce metabolic needs of organs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Latin terms with their meanings:

<p>A- = Without, Not Ab- = Away Ad- = Toward -alg = Pain Anti- = Against -itis = Inflammation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis?

<p>Any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe a homeostatic process in the human body.

<p>Temperature regulation by the hypothalamus in the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could cause dysfunction in a single organ to lead to dysfunction of another organ?

<p>Impaired blood flow or disrupted communication between organs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The normal body temperature in humans hovers around _____ °C.

<p>37</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which systems are involved in maintaining homeostasis?

<p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most biological feedback systems are positive feedback systems.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common example of a positive feedback loop?

<p>The process of childbirth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the feedback loop for temperature regulation is unsuccessful?

<p>Heat-related illnesses may occur</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the renal system in homeostasis?

<p>To remove liquid waste from the blood, maintain stable balance of salts, and regulate blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Without oxygen and nutrients, _____ cells can begin to die.

<p>lung</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you predict his blood pressure was when EMTs arrived?

Signup and view all the answers

What did the EMTs do about the blood pressure?

Signup and view all the answers

The EMTs would give him fluids.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The EMTs would give him oxygen.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you guess his vital signs were: respiratory rate, BP, heart rate, and temperature?

Signup and view all the answers

What would have caused this person to have a seizure?

Signup and view all the answers

How would you counsel this patient or future patients to avoid this situation in the future?

Signup and view all the answers

What is controlled hypothermia?

Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is typically maintained during controlled hypothermia?

<p>25–32°C (79–89°F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is controlled hypothermia used during open-heart surgery?

Signup and view all the answers

What condition is induced to slow the patient's metabolic rate during controlled hypothermia?

<p>Coma</p> Signup and view all the answers

Controlled hypothermia can be used in the emergency department.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature the heart is cooled to during surgery?

<p>Below 15°C (60°F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define homeostasis.

<p>Homeostasis is any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe a homeostatic process in the human body and give specific examples of how all the organs work together.

<p>An example of a homeostatic process is temperature regulation. The hypothalamus acts as a control center and communicates with effectors like sweat glands and muscles to maintain body temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can dysfunction in a single organ lead to dysfunction of another organ?

<p>Dysfunction in one organ can disrupt the overall balance of homeostasis, affecting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to other organs, which can impair their function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding feedback mechanisms in the body?

<p>Negative feedback is a vital control mechanism for homeostasis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The majority of biological feedback systems are __ feedback systems.

<p>negative</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a negative feedback system in the human body?

<p>An example is blood pressure regulation, where increased blood pressure triggers responses that reduce it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the renal system in homeostasis?

<p>The renal system removes liquid waste from the blood, maintains stable levels of salts, and regulates blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a feedback loop is unsuccessful?

<p>When a feedback loop is unsuccessful, it can lead to organ dysfunction and systemic failure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of prolonged exposure to heat without proper body fluid?

<p>Prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat stroke, which may cause central nervous system dysfunction, coma, and potentially death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the cardiovascular system respond to heat exposure?

<p>The cardiovascular system dilates arterioles near the skin, increasing heat dissipation but decreasing blood volume and pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Physiology: Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis is the self-regulating process maintaining stability while adjusting to optimal survival conditions.
  • Failure of homeostasis can lead to organ dysfunction and systemic failure.

Learning Objectives

  • Define homeostasis and its significance in physiology.
  • Illustrate a homeostatic process that showcases interdependence of organs.
  • Explain how dysfunction in one organ affects others.
  • Outline the sequence of events leading to loss of homeostasis, particularly in heat stroke.

Physiological Functions

  • Feedback Loops:

    • Feedback mechanisms are essential for maintaining homeostasis, involving inputs and outputs that regulate body functions.
    • Negative feedback decreases the output to stabilize systems, examples include temperature control and blood pressure regulation.
    • Positive feedback amplifies responses, often seen during childbirth.

  • Flow Down Gradients:

    • Flow is driven by gradients: concentration, electrical, pressure, and temperature differences.
    • Resistance impacts flow; greater resistance leads to lower flow, often modulated by physiological processes.

Overview of Homeostasis

  • Connectedness of body systems is integral to maintaining overall health; all organs interact to sustain homeostasis.
  • Normal body temperature averages 37°C (98.6°F) and is regulated by the hypothalamus, which coordinates responses to temperature changes (e.g., sweating, shivering).
  • Heat Stroke: The most severe heat-related condition resulting from inability to dissipate heat, leading to CNS dysfunction, coma, and potential death.
  • Heat-related illnesses range from mild heat rash to severe heat stroke.

Organ System Interactions

  • Skin: Protects, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information; crucial for sweat production in heat regulation.
  • Cardiovascular System: Transports nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and metabolic waste; essential for pressure maintenance.
  • Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange; vital for oxygenating blood and eliminating carbon dioxide.
  • Renal System: Maintains fluid balance and blood pressure; produces urine and erythropoietin.
  • Spleen: Filters blood and supports immune function; involved in removal of old blood cells and storage of cellular components.
  • Gastrointestinal Tract: Digests food and regulates nutrient absorption; compromised during heat stress leads to hypoxia in intestinal tissues.

Case Study: Heat Stroke

  • Scenario: A 38-year-old male experiences severe symptoms post-hike in extreme heat.
  • Symptoms included dizziness, seizures, and eventual coma, indicating severe dysfunction of multiple organ systems due to heat stroke.
  • Skin Response: The skin stops sweating when fluids deplete, leading to overheating.
  • Cardiovascular Impact: Vasodilation at the skin reduces overall blood volume, impairing nutrient delivery and lowering blood pressure, straining the heart.
  • Respiratory System: Decreased blood supply to lung structures causes respiratory alkalosis and cellular death from hypoxia.
  • Renal Function: Kidney dysfunction due to dehydration may lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
  • Spleen Function: Impaired filtration can lead to jaundice from elevated bilirubin due to unfiltered red blood cells.

Clinical Concepts: Controlled Hypothermia

  • Controlled hypothermia is induced to lower organ metabolic rates during critical medical procedures (e.g., open-heart surgery).
  • Cooling body temperature to 25–32°C (79–89°F) protects organs from damage by reducing oxygen demands, particularly during periods of reduced blood supply.### Physiology and Homeostasis
  • Patient's organs can function with reduced blood supply, leading to decreased heart workload.

Latin Terminology in Physiology

  • A significant portion of medical terminology derives from Latin; understanding these roots aids in learning new concepts.

Common Latin Word Parts and Their Meanings

  • a-, an, non: Without, not (e.g., Apnea - not breathing)
  • Ab-, ef-: Away (e.g., Abductor muscle - pulls away from midline)
  • Ad-, af-: Toward (e.g., Afferent neuron - carries information toward the brain)
  • -alg: Pain (e.g., Neuralgia - nerve pain)
  • Ang(i)-, vaso: Vessel (e.g., Angiogenesis - formation of new blood vessels)
  • Ante-, pre-, pro-: Before (e.g., Prenatal - before birth)
  • Anti-, contra-: Against, resisting (e.g., Antibody - resists foreign bodies)
  • Arthr(o), artic-: Joint (e.g., Arthritis - joint inflammation)
  • -ase: Enzyme (e.g., Maltase - enzyme that breaks down maltose)
  • Aut(o)-: Self (e.g., Autoimmunity - self-immunity)
  • Bi-, di-, diplo-: Two (e.g., Bicuspid valve - heart valve with two leaflets)
  • Brady-: Slow (e.g., Bradycardia - slow heart rate)
  • Cephal-, -ceps: Head (e.g., Hydrocephalus - water in the brain)
  • -cide: Kill (e.g., Spermicide - substance that kills sperm)
  • Circ-, peri-: Around (e.g., Circumcision - cutting around)
  • -clast: Break, destroy (e.g., Osteoclast - cells that dissolve bone)
  • -crine: Secrete, release (e.g., Endocrine gland - glands that secrete hormones)
  • Cyan-: Blue (e.g., Cyanosis - bluish tint of skin)
  • Dia-, per-, trans-: Through, separate, across (e.g., Diarrhea - flow through intestines)
  • Dys-, mal-: Bad, painful, difficult (e.g., Dyspnea - difficulty breathing)
  • Ectop-: Displaced (e.g., Ectopic pregnancy)
  • -emia: Blood (e.g., Hyperglycemia - high blood sugar)
  • En-, endo-, intra-: Inside, within (e.g., Endosteum - lining inside bone)
  • Epi-: Upon, over, above (e.g., Epidermis - outer layer of skin)
  • Equi-, homo-, iso-: Same, equal, balanced (e.g., Homeostasis - equilibrium of body systems)
  • Ex-, ecto-: Outside (e.g., Extracellular fluid - fluid outside the cell)
  • -gram: Something written (e.g., Electrocardiogram - printout of heart activity)
  • -graph: Writing apparatus (e.g., Electrocardiograph - machine creating ECGs)
  • Hem-: Blood (e.g., Hemothorax - blood in chest cavity)
  • Hemi-, semi-: Half (e.g., Cerebral hemisphere - half of the brain)
  • Hist-: Tissue (e.g., Histology - study of tissues)
  • Hypo-, infra-, infer-, sub-: Under, below, less (e.g., Hypotonic - lower solute concentration)
  • -itis: Inflammation (e.g., Appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix)
  • Inter-: Between (e.g., Interstitial fluid - fluid between cells)
  • Lys, lyze: Break apart, dissolve (e.g., Hydrolysis - breaking down)
  • Med-, meso-, meta-: Middle (e.g., Mediastinum - middle space of chest)
  • Micro-, -ole, -ule: Small (e.g., Microscope - apparatus for viewing small objects)
  • Mono-, Uni-: One (e.g., Monozygotic - identical twins)
  • Morph, -plasty: Shape (e.g., Morphology - study of shape)
  • Mort, necro-: Death (e.g., Post mortem - after death)
  • Neo-: New (e.g., Neonatal - newborn)
  • Olig-: Little, few (e.g., Oliguria - very little urine produced)
  • Ost-: Bone (e.g., Osteoblast - cell that forms new bone)
  • -ostomy: Make an opening (e.g., Tracheostomy - opening in the trachea)
  • Para: Beside (e.g., Parathyroid glands - beside thyroid gland)
  • Path: Disease (e.g., Pathogenic bacteria - disease-causing bacteria)
  • Phago: Eat, feed (e.g., Phagocyte - cell that eats)
  • -phasia: Speech (e.g., Dysphagia - difficulty speaking)
  • Phobia, phobe: Fear (e.g., Hydrophobia - fear of water)
  • -plasia: Growth, formation (e.g., Hyperplasia - excessive growth)
  • Post: After (e.g., Post natal - after birth)
  • Pseudo: False (e.g., Pseudounipolar neuron - neuron with false appearance)
  • Super, supra: Above, over (e.g., Superior vena cava - vein bringing blood from above heart)
  • Tachy: Fast (e.g., Tachycardia - fast heart rate)

Introduction to Physiology: Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis is the self-regulating process maintaining stability while adjusting to optimal survival conditions.
  • Failure of homeostasis can lead to organ dysfunction and systemic failure.

Learning Objectives

  • Define homeostasis and its significance in physiology.
  • Illustrate a homeostatic process that showcases interdependence of organs.
  • Explain how dysfunction in one organ affects others.
  • Outline the sequence of events leading to loss of homeostasis, particularly in heat stroke.

Physiological Functions

  • Feedback Loops:

    • Feedback mechanisms are essential for maintaining homeostasis, involving inputs and outputs that regulate body functions.
    • Negative feedback decreases the output to stabilize systems, examples include temperature control and blood pressure regulation.
    • Positive feedback amplifies responses, often seen during childbirth.

  • Flow Down Gradients:

    • Flow is driven by gradients: concentration, electrical, pressure, and temperature differences.
    • Resistance impacts flow; greater resistance leads to lower flow, often modulated by physiological processes.

Overview of Homeostasis

  • Connectedness of body systems is integral to maintaining overall health; all organs interact to sustain homeostasis.
  • Normal body temperature averages 37°C (98.6°F) and is regulated by the hypothalamus, which coordinates responses to temperature changes (e.g., sweating, shivering).
  • Heat Stroke: The most severe heat-related condition resulting from inability to dissipate heat, leading to CNS dysfunction, coma, and potential death.
  • Heat-related illnesses range from mild heat rash to severe heat stroke.

Organ System Interactions

  • Skin: Protects, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information; crucial for sweat production in heat regulation.
  • Cardiovascular System: Transports nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and metabolic waste; essential for pressure maintenance.
  • Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange; vital for oxygenating blood and eliminating carbon dioxide.
  • Renal System: Maintains fluid balance and blood pressure; produces urine and erythropoietin.
  • Spleen: Filters blood and supports immune function; involved in removal of old blood cells and storage of cellular components.
  • Gastrointestinal Tract: Digests food and regulates nutrient absorption; compromised during heat stress leads to hypoxia in intestinal tissues.

Case Study: Heat Stroke

  • Scenario: A 38-year-old male experiences severe symptoms post-hike in extreme heat.
  • Symptoms included dizziness, seizures, and eventual coma, indicating severe dysfunction of multiple organ systems due to heat stroke.
  • Skin Response: The skin stops sweating when fluids deplete, leading to overheating.
  • Cardiovascular Impact: Vasodilation at the skin reduces overall blood volume, impairing nutrient delivery and lowering blood pressure, straining the heart.
  • Respiratory System: Decreased blood supply to lung structures causes respiratory alkalosis and cellular death from hypoxia.
  • Renal Function: Kidney dysfunction due to dehydration may lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
  • Spleen Function: Impaired filtration can lead to jaundice from elevated bilirubin due to unfiltered red blood cells.

Clinical Concepts: Controlled Hypothermia

  • Controlled hypothermia is induced to lower organ metabolic rates during critical medical procedures (e.g., open-heart surgery).
  • Cooling body temperature to 25–32°C (79–89°F) protects organs from damage by reducing oxygen demands, particularly during periods of reduced blood supply.### Physiology and Homeostasis
  • Patient's organs can function with reduced blood supply, leading to decreased heart workload.

Latin Terminology in Physiology

  • A significant portion of medical terminology derives from Latin; understanding these roots aids in learning new concepts.

Common Latin Word Parts and Their Meanings

  • a-, an, non: Without, not (e.g., Apnea - not breathing)
  • Ab-, ef-: Away (e.g., Abductor muscle - pulls away from midline)
  • Ad-, af-: Toward (e.g., Afferent neuron - carries information toward the brain)
  • -alg: Pain (e.g., Neuralgia - nerve pain)
  • Ang(i)-, vaso: Vessel (e.g., Angiogenesis - formation of new blood vessels)
  • Ante-, pre-, pro-: Before (e.g., Prenatal - before birth)
  • Anti-, contra-: Against, resisting (e.g., Antibody - resists foreign bodies)
  • Arthr(o), artic-: Joint (e.g., Arthritis - joint inflammation)
  • -ase: Enzyme (e.g., Maltase - enzyme that breaks down maltose)
  • Aut(o)-: Self (e.g., Autoimmunity - self-immunity)
  • Bi-, di-, diplo-: Two (e.g., Bicuspid valve - heart valve with two leaflets)
  • Brady-: Slow (e.g., Bradycardia - slow heart rate)
  • Cephal-, -ceps: Head (e.g., Hydrocephalus - water in the brain)
  • -cide: Kill (e.g., Spermicide - substance that kills sperm)
  • Circ-, peri-: Around (e.g., Circumcision - cutting around)
  • -clast: Break, destroy (e.g., Osteoclast - cells that dissolve bone)
  • -crine: Secrete, release (e.g., Endocrine gland - glands that secrete hormones)
  • Cyan-: Blue (e.g., Cyanosis - bluish tint of skin)
  • Dia-, per-, trans-: Through, separate, across (e.g., Diarrhea - flow through intestines)
  • Dys-, mal-: Bad, painful, difficult (e.g., Dyspnea - difficulty breathing)
  • Ectop-: Displaced (e.g., Ectopic pregnancy)
  • -emia: Blood (e.g., Hyperglycemia - high blood sugar)
  • En-, endo-, intra-: Inside, within (e.g., Endosteum - lining inside bone)
  • Epi-: Upon, over, above (e.g., Epidermis - outer layer of skin)
  • Equi-, homo-, iso-: Same, equal, balanced (e.g., Homeostasis - equilibrium of body systems)
  • Ex-, ecto-: Outside (e.g., Extracellular fluid - fluid outside the cell)
  • -gram: Something written (e.g., Electrocardiogram - printout of heart activity)
  • -graph: Writing apparatus (e.g., Electrocardiograph - machine creating ECGs)
  • Hem-: Blood (e.g., Hemothorax - blood in chest cavity)
  • Hemi-, semi-: Half (e.g., Cerebral hemisphere - half of the brain)
  • Hist-: Tissue (e.g., Histology - study of tissues)
  • Hypo-, infra-, infer-, sub-: Under, below, less (e.g., Hypotonic - lower solute concentration)
  • -itis: Inflammation (e.g., Appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix)
  • Inter-: Between (e.g., Interstitial fluid - fluid between cells)
  • Lys, lyze: Break apart, dissolve (e.g., Hydrolysis - breaking down)
  • Med-, meso-, meta-: Middle (e.g., Mediastinum - middle space of chest)
  • Micro-, -ole, -ule: Small (e.g., Microscope - apparatus for viewing small objects)
  • Mono-, Uni-: One (e.g., Monozygotic - identical twins)
  • Morph, -plasty: Shape (e.g., Morphology - study of shape)
  • Mort, necro-: Death (e.g., Post mortem - after death)
  • Neo-: New (e.g., Neonatal - newborn)
  • Olig-: Little, few (e.g., Oliguria - very little urine produced)
  • Ost-: Bone (e.g., Osteoblast - cell that forms new bone)
  • -ostomy: Make an opening (e.g., Tracheostomy - opening in the trachea)
  • Para: Beside (e.g., Parathyroid glands - beside thyroid gland)
  • Path: Disease (e.g., Pathogenic bacteria - disease-causing bacteria)
  • Phago: Eat, feed (e.g., Phagocyte - cell that eats)
  • -phasia: Speech (e.g., Dysphagia - difficulty speaking)
  • Phobia, phobe: Fear (e.g., Hydrophobia - fear of water)
  • -plasia: Growth, formation (e.g., Hyperplasia - excessive growth)
  • Post: After (e.g., Post natal - after birth)
  • Pseudo: False (e.g., Pseudounipolar neuron - neuron with false appearance)
  • Super, supra: Above, over (e.g., Superior vena cava - vein bringing blood from above heart)
  • Tachy: Fast (e.g., Tachycardia - fast heart rate)

Introduction to Physiology: Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis is the self-regulating process maintaining stability while adjusting to optimal survival conditions.
  • Failure of homeostasis can lead to organ dysfunction and systemic failure.

Learning Objectives

  • Define homeostasis and its significance in physiology.
  • Illustrate a homeostatic process that showcases interdependence of organs.
  • Explain how dysfunction in one organ affects others.
  • Outline the sequence of events leading to loss of homeostasis, particularly in heat stroke.

Physiological Functions

  • Feedback Loops:

    • Feedback mechanisms are essential for maintaining homeostasis, involving inputs and outputs that regulate body functions.
    • Negative feedback decreases the output to stabilize systems, examples include temperature control and blood pressure regulation.
    • Positive feedback amplifies responses, often seen during childbirth.

  • Flow Down Gradients:

    • Flow is driven by gradients: concentration, electrical, pressure, and temperature differences.
    • Resistance impacts flow; greater resistance leads to lower flow, often modulated by physiological processes.

Overview of Homeostasis

  • Connectedness of body systems is integral to maintaining overall health; all organs interact to sustain homeostasis.
  • Normal body temperature averages 37°C (98.6°F) and is regulated by the hypothalamus, which coordinates responses to temperature changes (e.g., sweating, shivering).
  • Heat Stroke: The most severe heat-related condition resulting from inability to dissipate heat, leading to CNS dysfunction, coma, and potential death.
  • Heat-related illnesses range from mild heat rash to severe heat stroke.

Organ System Interactions

  • Skin: Protects, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information; crucial for sweat production in heat regulation.
  • Cardiovascular System: Transports nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and metabolic waste; essential for pressure maintenance.
  • Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange; vital for oxygenating blood and eliminating carbon dioxide.
  • Renal System: Maintains fluid balance and blood pressure; produces urine and erythropoietin.
  • Spleen: Filters blood and supports immune function; involved in removal of old blood cells and storage of cellular components.
  • Gastrointestinal Tract: Digests food and regulates nutrient absorption; compromised during heat stress leads to hypoxia in intestinal tissues.

Case Study: Heat Stroke

  • Scenario: A 38-year-old male experiences severe symptoms post-hike in extreme heat.
  • Symptoms included dizziness, seizures, and eventual coma, indicating severe dysfunction of multiple organ systems due to heat stroke.
  • Skin Response: The skin stops sweating when fluids deplete, leading to overheating.
  • Cardiovascular Impact: Vasodilation at the skin reduces overall blood volume, impairing nutrient delivery and lowering blood pressure, straining the heart.
  • Respiratory System: Decreased blood supply to lung structures causes respiratory alkalosis and cellular death from hypoxia.
  • Renal Function: Kidney dysfunction due to dehydration may lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
  • Spleen Function: Impaired filtration can lead to jaundice from elevated bilirubin due to unfiltered red blood cells.

Clinical Concepts: Controlled Hypothermia

  • Controlled hypothermia is induced to lower organ metabolic rates during critical medical procedures (e.g., open-heart surgery).
  • Cooling body temperature to 25–32°C (79–89°F) protects organs from damage by reducing oxygen demands, particularly during periods of reduced blood supply.### Physiology and Homeostasis
  • Patient's organs can function with reduced blood supply, leading to decreased heart workload.

Latin Terminology in Physiology

  • A significant portion of medical terminology derives from Latin; understanding these roots aids in learning new concepts.

Common Latin Word Parts and Their Meanings

  • a-, an, non: Without, not (e.g., Apnea - not breathing)
  • Ab-, ef-: Away (e.g., Abductor muscle - pulls away from midline)
  • Ad-, af-: Toward (e.g., Afferent neuron - carries information toward the brain)
  • -alg: Pain (e.g., Neuralgia - nerve pain)
  • Ang(i)-, vaso: Vessel (e.g., Angiogenesis - formation of new blood vessels)
  • Ante-, pre-, pro-: Before (e.g., Prenatal - before birth)
  • Anti-, contra-: Against, resisting (e.g., Antibody - resists foreign bodies)
  • Arthr(o), artic-: Joint (e.g., Arthritis - joint inflammation)
  • -ase: Enzyme (e.g., Maltase - enzyme that breaks down maltose)
  • Aut(o)-: Self (e.g., Autoimmunity - self-immunity)
  • Bi-, di-, diplo-: Two (e.g., Bicuspid valve - heart valve with two leaflets)
  • Brady-: Slow (e.g., Bradycardia - slow heart rate)
  • Cephal-, -ceps: Head (e.g., Hydrocephalus - water in the brain)
  • -cide: Kill (e.g., Spermicide - substance that kills sperm)
  • Circ-, peri-: Around (e.g., Circumcision - cutting around)
  • -clast: Break, destroy (e.g., Osteoclast - cells that dissolve bone)
  • -crine: Secrete, release (e.g., Endocrine gland - glands that secrete hormones)
  • Cyan-: Blue (e.g., Cyanosis - bluish tint of skin)
  • Dia-, per-, trans-: Through, separate, across (e.g., Diarrhea - flow through intestines)
  • Dys-, mal-: Bad, painful, difficult (e.g., Dyspnea - difficulty breathing)
  • Ectop-: Displaced (e.g., Ectopic pregnancy)
  • -emia: Blood (e.g., Hyperglycemia - high blood sugar)
  • En-, endo-, intra-: Inside, within (e.g., Endosteum - lining inside bone)
  • Epi-: Upon, over, above (e.g., Epidermis - outer layer of skin)
  • Equi-, homo-, iso-: Same, equal, balanced (e.g., Homeostasis - equilibrium of body systems)
  • Ex-, ecto-: Outside (e.g., Extracellular fluid - fluid outside the cell)
  • -gram: Something written (e.g., Electrocardiogram - printout of heart activity)
  • -graph: Writing apparatus (e.g., Electrocardiograph - machine creating ECGs)
  • Hem-: Blood (e.g., Hemothorax - blood in chest cavity)
  • Hemi-, semi-: Half (e.g., Cerebral hemisphere - half of the brain)
  • Hist-: Tissue (e.g., Histology - study of tissues)
  • Hypo-, infra-, infer-, sub-: Under, below, less (e.g., Hypotonic - lower solute concentration)
  • -itis: Inflammation (e.g., Appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix)
  • Inter-: Between (e.g., Interstitial fluid - fluid between cells)
  • Lys, lyze: Break apart, dissolve (e.g., Hydrolysis - breaking down)
  • Med-, meso-, meta-: Middle (e.g., Mediastinum - middle space of chest)
  • Micro-, -ole, -ule: Small (e.g., Microscope - apparatus for viewing small objects)
  • Mono-, Uni-: One (e.g., Monozygotic - identical twins)
  • Morph, -plasty: Shape (e.g., Morphology - study of shape)
  • Mort, necro-: Death (e.g., Post mortem - after death)
  • Neo-: New (e.g., Neonatal - newborn)
  • Olig-: Little, few (e.g., Oliguria - very little urine produced)
  • Ost-: Bone (e.g., Osteoblast - cell that forms new bone)
  • -ostomy: Make an opening (e.g., Tracheostomy - opening in the trachea)
  • Para: Beside (e.g., Parathyroid glands - beside thyroid gland)
  • Path: Disease (e.g., Pathogenic bacteria - disease-causing bacteria)
  • Phago: Eat, feed (e.g., Phagocyte - cell that eats)
  • -phasia: Speech (e.g., Dysphagia - difficulty speaking)
  • Phobia, phobe: Fear (e.g., Hydrophobia - fear of water)
  • -plasia: Growth, formation (e.g., Hyperplasia - excessive growth)
  • Post: After (e.g., Post natal - after birth)
  • Pseudo: False (e.g., Pseudounipolar neuron - neuron with false appearance)
  • Super, supra: Above, over (e.g., Superior vena cava - vein bringing blood from above heart)
  • Tachy: Fast (e.g., Tachycardia - fast heart rate)

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