Overview of Physiology

Definition: The branch of biology that studies the functions and mechanisms in a living system.
Focus: How organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and biomolecules carry out chemical or physical functions.

Cellular Physiology: Study of cell function, including metabolism, communication, and energy production.
Tissue Physiology: Examines the function of tissues, which are groups of cells working together (e.g., muscle, nervous).
Organ Physiology: Involves understanding how organs perform their specific functions (e.g., heart, lungs).
Systemic Physiology: Focuses on how different organ systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory) interact.
Organismal Physiology: Overall function and regulation of all systems in an organism.

Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Feedback Mechanisms:
- Positive Feedback: Amplifies changes (e.g., childbirth).
- Negative Feedback: Counteracts changes to maintain stability (e.g., blood glucose regulation).

Nervous System:
- Processes information, coordinates responses, and controls bodily functions.
- Key components: brain, spinal cord, nerves.
Endocrine System:
- Regulates long-term changes in the body via hormones.
- Major glands: pituitary, thyroid, adrenal.
Cardiovascular System:
- Transports blood, nutrients, gases, and waste products.
- Components: heart, blood vessels, blood.
Respiratory System:
- Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment.
- Major parts: lungs, trachea, diaphragm.
Digestive System:
- Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
- Key organs: mouth, stomach, intestines.
Musculoskeletal System:
- Provides structure, support, and movement.
- Composed of muscles, bones, cartilage, and connective tissues.
Immune System:
- Defends against pathogens and disease.
- Key components: white blood cells, lymph nodes, spleen.
Reproductive System:
- Responsible for producing offspring.
- Male and female reproductive organs and hormones.

Metabolism: Total of all chemical reactions in the body, including catabolism (breaking down) and anabolism (building up).
Circulation: Movement of blood through the heart and vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients.
Respiration: Process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide; includes cellular respiration for energy production.
Excretion: Removal of waste products from the body, primarily through kidneys and urinary system.

Electrophysiology: Study of electrical properties of cells and tissues.
Imaging Techniques: MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound for visualizing organs and systems.
Biochemical Analysis: Study of biological molecules to understand metabolic pathways.

Understanding physiology is crucial for diagnosing and treating diseases.
Knowledge of normal physiological functions aids in identifying abnormalities in health conditions.

Physiology is a biological branch focused on understanding functions and mechanisms within living systems.
Emphasis on how organisms and their components (cells, organs, systems) perform chemical and physical functions.

Cellular Physiology: Investigates cellular functions such as metabolism and communication.
Tissue Physiology: Analyzes the functions of tissues, which consist of cooperative cell groups (e.g., muscle or neural tissue).
Organ Physiology: Studies specific organ functions, such as those of the heart and lungs.
Systemic Physiology: Examines interactions among organ systems, like circulatory or respiratory systems.
Organismal Physiology: Looks at the integrated function and regulation of all physiological systems within an organism.

Homeostasis: The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations.
Feedback Mechanisms:
- Positive Feedback: Increases deviations from a set point, seen in processes such as childbirth.
- Negative Feedback: Reduces deviations to sustain stability, exemplified in blood glucose regulation.

Nervous System: Coordinates bodily functions through information processing; comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Endocrine System: Controls long-term body changes through hormones released by glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
Cardiovascular System: Responsible for circulating blood and transporting nutrients, gases, and wastes; includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Respiratory System: Manages gas exchange between the body and environment via components like the lungs and trachea.
Digestive System: Processes food, absorbs nutrients, and expels waste through organs such as the stomach and intestines.
Musculoskeletal System: Provides structural support and enables movement through muscles, bones, and connective tissues.
Immune System: Protects against pathogens and disease, utilizing white blood cells and structures like lymph nodes.
Reproductive System: Essential for offspring production, involving male and female reproductive organs and hormonal activity.

Metabolism: Encompasses all biochemical reactions, including reactions for breaking down or building up molecules.
Circulation: The systemic movement of blood that distributes oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Respiration: Involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide; includes cellular respiration for energy.
Excretion: The elimination of waste byproducts, predominantly performed by the kidneys and urinary system.

Electrophysiology: Investigates the electrical activity of cells and tissues for understanding physiological functions.
Imaging Techniques: Utilizes technologies like MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound for visualizing internal body structures.
Biochemical Analysis: Examines biological molecules to elucidate metabolic pathways and body functions.

Physiology knowledge is vital for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding normal physiological processes is essential for recognizing health abnormalities.