Overview of Human Physiology

Overview of Human Physiology

• Study of how the human body functions.
• Explores various systems, their functions, and interactions.

Major Organ Systems

1. Nervous System

   • Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
   • Responsible for sensing stimuli, processing information, and controlling responses.

2. Cardiovascular System

   • Includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
   • Functions to transport nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.

3. Respiratory System

   • Comprises the lungs and airways.
   • Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) during breathing.

4. Digestive System

   • Involves organs like the stomach, intestines, and liver.
   • Responsible for processing food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.

5. Musculoskeletal System

   • Consists of bones, muscles, and connective tissues.
   • Provides support, movement, and protection to the body.

6. Endocrine System

   • Made up of glands that secrete hormones.
   • Regulates metabolism, growth, and mood through chemical signals.

7. Immune System

   • Defends against pathogens and disease.
   • Comprises cells, tissues, and organs like lymph nodes and the spleen.

8. Urinary System

   • Includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
   • Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance, excretes waste.

9. Reproductive System

   • Male and female organs responsible for reproduction.
   • Produces gametes and hormones for sexual development.

Homeostasis

• Definition: The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
• Key factors regulated: temperature, pH, hydration, electrolyte balance.

Cellular Physiology

• Cells are the basic units of life.
• Functions include metabolism, energy production, and communication.

Key Concepts

• Metabolism: All chemical reactions in the body.

  • Anabolism: Building up molecules.
  • Catabolism: Breaking down molecules for energy.

• Neurotransmission: Communication between nerve cells.

• Hormonal Regulation: Hormones influence physiological processes like growth and metabolism.

Physiological Measurements

• Vital Signs: Indicators of health status.
  • Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature.

Adaptation and Stress Responses

• The body adapts to changes in the environment (e.g., temperature, altitude).
• Stress responses (fight or flight) activate the sympathetic nervous system and release adrenaline.

Aging and Physiology

• Physiological functions decline with age.
• Common changes include decreased muscle mass, slower metabolism, and reduced organ function.

Overview of Human Physiology

• Human physiology examines body function, system interactions, and homeostasis.

Major Organ Systems

• Nervous System

  • Comprises the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
  • Responsible for sensing stimuli, processing as information, and coordinating responses.

• Cardiovascular System

  • Encompasses the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
  • Transports nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and waste throughout the body.

• Respiratory System

  • Made up of lungs and respiratory tracts.
  • Facilitates oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion in gas exchange.

• Digestive System

  • Involves organs such as the mouth, stomach, intestines, and liver.
  • Responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.

• Musculoskeletal System

  • Composed of bones, muscles, and connective tissues.
  • Provides structural support, facilitates movement, and protects organs.

• Endocrine System

  • Consists of glands that produce and secrete hormones.
  • Regulates metabolism, growth, and mood via chemical signaling.

• Immune System

  • Defends against infectious agents and diseases.
  • Includes various cells, tissues, and organs, notably lymph nodes and the spleen.

• Urinary System

  • Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
  • Maintains fluid and electrolyte levels while excreting waste products.

• Reproductive System

  • Comprises male and female reproductive organs.
  • Produces gametes and hormones crucial for sexual development and reproduction.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
• Key regulated factors include temperature, pH levels, hydration status, and electrolyte balance.

Cellular Physiology

• Cells serve as the fundamental units of life, involved in various functions.
• Essential processes include metabolism, energy production, and cellular communication.

Key Concepts

• Metabolism

  • Encompasses all chemical reactions; involves anabolism (building) and catabolism (breaking down for energy).

• Neurotransmission

  • Involves communication between nerve cells, facilitating signal transmission.

• Hormonal Regulation

  • Hormones play a critical role in regulating growth, metabolism, and other physiological processes.

Physiological Measurements

• Vital Signs
  • Essential indicators of health include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature.

Adaptation and Stress Responses

• The body can adapt to environmental changes, such as variations in temperature and altitude.
• Stress responses trigger activation of the sympathetic nervous system and adrenaline release, preparing the body for "fight or flight."

Aging and Physiology

• Aging leads to physiological decline, including decreased muscle mass, slower metabolism, and reduced organ functionality.

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of human physiology, focusing on the major organ systems and their functions. You'll explore the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems, learning how they work together to maintain homeostasis and support life.