Overview of Physiology

Cell Physiology
- Functions of cells, including membrane transport, communication, and metabolism.
Systemic Physiology
- Functions of organ systems (e.g., respiratory, circulatory, nervous).
Comparative Physiology
- Study of physiological differences and similarities among species.
Pathophysiology
- Examination of physiological changes due to disease or injury.

Homeostasis
- Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Feedback Mechanisms
- Negative Feedback: Counteracts changes to maintain equilibrium (e.g., body temperature regulation).
- Positive Feedback: Amplifies changes, often leading to a specific outcome (e.g., childbirth contractions).
Physiological Processes
- Metabolism: Chemical reactions for energy production, growth, and repair.
- Respiration: Gas exchange processes, including internal and external respiration.
- Circulation: Blood movement through the heart and vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen.
- Neural Communication: Transmission of signals through neurons for coordination and response.

Nervous System
- Controls responses and reflexes; processes sensory information.
Endocrine System
- Regulates physiological processes through hormones.
Muscular System
- Facilitates movement and maintains posture.
Skeletal System
- Provides structure and support; protects vital organs.
Cardiovascular System
- Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Responsible for gas exchange; regulates blood pH.
Digestive System
- Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Urinary System
- Eliminates waste, regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Facilitates reproduction and sexual characteristics.

Vital Signs: Indicators of body functions (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature).
Electrophysiology: Study of electrical properties of biological cells and tissues.

Imaging Techniques: MRI, CT scans, and X-rays for visualizing internal structures.
Physiological Monitoring: Use of devices to measure bodily functions (e.g., ECG, EEG).

Understanding physiological processes is crucial for health sciences, medicine, and improving healthcare practices.
Provides insights into how organisms adapt to changes and stresses in the environment.

Physiology examines the biological functions and processes within living organisms.
It delves into the mechanisms that govern different bodily systems.

Cell Physiology: Investigates cellular functions, including membrane transport, intercellular communication, and metabolism.
Systemic Physiology: Focuses on the functions of various organ systems such as respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems.
Comparative Physiology: Compares physiological traits and adaptations across different species.
Pathophysiology: Studies alterations in physiological processes resulting from diseases or injuries.

Homeostasis: Refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations.
Feedback Mechanisms:
- Negative Feedback: Mechanism that counteracts variations to maintain stability (e.g., body temperature control).
- Positive Feedback: Mechanism that enhances changes leading to a specific outcome (e.g., the process of childbirth).
Physiological Processes:
- Metabolism: Encompasses chemical reactions essential for energy production, growth, and tissue repair.
- Respiration: Involves processes of gas exchange, both internally (cellular) and externally (lungs).
- Circulation: Pertains to the movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen.
- Neural Communication: Refers to the transmission of signals through neurons for coordination and adaptive responses.

Nervous System: Manages reflexes and responses; processes sensory information.
Endocrine System: Oversees physiological regulation via hormone secretion.
Muscular System: Enables movement and supports posture maintenance.
Skeletal System: Provides structural support and protects vital organs.
Cardiovascular System: Distributes nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System: Responsible for gas exchange and maintaining blood pH levels.
Digestive System: Breaks down ingested food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Urinary System: Processes waste elimination and maintains fluid and electrolyte balances.
Reproductive System: Facilitates reproduction and encompasses sexual traits.

Vital Signs: Key indicators of body function, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature.
Electrophysiology: Involves studying the electrical properties of cells and tissues in biological systems.

Imaging Techniques: Utilizes methods like MRI, CT scans, and X-rays to visualize internal structures for diagnosis.
Physiological Monitoring: Employs devices such as ECG and EEG to assess and monitor physiological functions.

Understanding physiological mechanisms is vital for health sciences, medical practice, and improving patient care.
Offers insights into how living organisms adapt to environmental changes and stressors.