Overview of Physiology

Cell Physiology
- Focuses on cellular functions and processes.
- Examines cell communication, metabolism, and homeostasis.
Systemic Physiology
- Studies the functions of organ systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory).
- Investigates interactions between systems.
Comparative Physiology
- Compares physiological functions across different species.
- Helps understand evolution and adaptations.
Integrative Physiology
- Examines how different physiological systems interact.
- Emphasizes the holistic view of homeostasis.

Homeostasis
- Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.
- Regulated through feedback mechanisms (positive and negative).
Metabolism
- Sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Includes catabolism (breaking down) and anabolism (building up).
Membrane Transport
- Mechanisms for moving substances across cell membranes:
  - Passive transport (diffusion, osmosis)
  - Active transport (requires energy)
Neurophysiology
- Study of the nervous system's functions.
- Focuses on neuron activity, synaptic transmission, and reflexes.
Muscle Physiology
- Examines muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Types of muscle tissues: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

Nervous System
- Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Functions include sensory perception, motor control, and cognition.
Endocrine System
- Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
- Regulates processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Cardiovascular System
- Comprises the heart and blood vessels.
- Responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste.
Respiratory System
- Involved in gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
- Includes structures like lungs and airways.
Digestive System
- Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
- Comprises organs like the stomach, intestines, and liver.
Renal System
- Regulates fluid balance and waste removal.
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Immune System
- Defends the body against pathogens.
- Involves cells like lymphocytes and antibodies.

Vital Signs
- Indicators of body function: heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature.
Electrophysiological Techniques
- Used to measure electrical activity in cells (e.g., ECG, EEG).
Biochemical Assays
- Analyze biological materials to assess metabolic processes.

Focuses on functions and mechanisms in living organisms, revealing how various components integrate and operate.

Cell Physiology
- Investigates cellular operations, including communication, metabolism, and homeostasis.
Systemic Physiology
- Analyzes the functions of organ systems like cardiovascular and respiratory, highlighting their interconnections.
Comparative Physiology
- Compares physiological processes across species to understand evolutionary adaptations.
Integrative Physiology
- Emphasizes the interconnectedness of physiological systems in maintaining homeostasis.

Homeostasis
- Refers to maintaining stable internal conditions despite external fluctuations, regulated by feedback mechanisms.
Metabolism
- Represents all chemical processes in the body, encompassing catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (building).
Membrane Transport
- Involves transporting substances across cell membranes, using:
  - Passive Transport: Includes diffusion and osmosis.
  - Active Transport: Requires energy to move substances against a gradient.
Neurophysiology
- Studies the functions of the nervous system, including neuron activity and reflexes.
Muscle Physiology
- Examines the mechanisms of muscle contraction and relaxation across three muscle tissue types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

Nervous System
- Composed of the central and peripheral nervous systems, responsible for sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive functions.
Endocrine System
- Consists of hormone-secreting glands that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Cardiovascular System
- Comprises the heart and blood vessels, crucial for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) through structures like lungs and airways.
Digestive System
- Responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients via organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver.
Renal System
- Manages fluid balance and waste elimination, including vital organs like the kidneys and bladder.
Immune System
- Protects the body from pathogens using cells such as lymphocytes and antibodies.

Vital Signs
- Key indicators of body function: heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature assess overall health.
Electrophysiological Techniques
- Techniques such as ECG and EEG measure electrical activity in tissues, particularly in the heart and brain.
Biochemical Assays
- Analyze biological fluids and tissues to evaluate metabolic activities and health status.