8 Questions
What is the main focus of physiology?
Functions and processes of living organisms
Which level of organization in physiology examines the functions of biomolecules and their interactions?
Molecular physiology
What is the term for the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment?
Homeostasis
What is the term for the processes by which an organism controls its internal environment?
Regulation
Which branch of physiology focuses on the functions and processes of the human body?
Human physiology
What is the term for the process of converting energy and nutrients into the components of living organisms?
Metabolism
What is the term for a mechanism that reduces the effect of a stimulus, helping to maintain homeostasis?
Negative feedback
What is the term for cycles of negative and positive feedback that help to regulate physiological processes?
Feedback loop
Study Notes
Definition and Scope
- Physiology is the study of the functions and processes that occur within living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- It is a branch of biology that focuses on the internal mechanisms and processes that enable life.
Levels of Organization
- Physiology can be studied at various levels, including:
- Molecular physiology: examines the functions of biomolecules and their interactions.
- Cellular physiology: focuses on the functions and processes that occur within cells.
- Organ physiology: studies the functions of organs and their interactions.
- System physiology: examines the functions of organ systems, such as the nervous system or circulatory system.
- Organismal physiology: considers the functions of entire organisms.
Branches of Physiology
- There are several branches of physiology, including:
- Human physiology: focuses on the functions and processes of the human body.
- Animal physiology: studies the functions and processes of non-human animals.
- Plant physiology: examines the functions and processes of plants.
- Microbial physiology: focuses on the functions and processes of microorganisms.
- Comparative physiology: compares the functions and processes of different organisms.
Key Concepts
- Homeostasis: the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
- Regulation: the processes by which an organism controls its internal environment.
- Negative feedback: a mechanism that reduces the effect of a stimulus, helping to maintain homeostasis.
- Positive feedback: a mechanism that amplifies the effect of a stimulus, leading to a rapid change in the internal environment.
- Feedback loops: cycles of negative and positive feedback that help to regulate physiological processes.
Physiological Processes
- Metabolism: the process of converting energy and nutrients into the components of living organisms.
- Nerve conduction: the transmission of electrical signals through nerve cells.
- Muscle contraction: the process by which muscles generate force and move the body.
- Respiration: the process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the environment and the body.
- Circulation: the movement of blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Definition and Scope
- Physiology is the study of functions and processes within living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- It is a branch of biology that focuses on internal mechanisms and processes that enable life.
Levels of Organization
- Physiology can be studied at various levels, including:
- Molecular physiology: examines functions of biomolecules and their interactions.
- Cellular physiology: focuses on functions and processes within cells.
- Organ physiology: studies functions of organs and their interactions.
- System physiology: examines functions of organ systems, such as the nervous system or circulatory system.
- Organismal physiology: considers functions of entire organisms.
Branches of Physiology
- There are several branches of physiology, including:
- Human physiology: focuses on functions and processes of the human body.
- Animal physiology: studies functions and processes of non-human animals.
- Plant physiology: examines functions and processes of plants.
- Microbial physiology: focuses on functions and processes of microorganisms.
- Comparative physiology: compares functions and processes of different organisms.
Key Concepts
- Homeostasis: the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
- Regulation: the processes by which an organism controls its internal environment.
- Negative feedback: a mechanism that reduces the effect of a stimulus, helping to maintain homeostasis.
- Positive feedback: a mechanism that amplifies the effect of a stimulus, leading to a rapid change in the internal environment.
- Feedback loops: cycles of negative and positive feedback that help to regulate physiological processes.
Physiological Processes
- Metabolism: the process of converting energy and nutrients into the components of living organisms.
- Nerve conduction: the transmission of electrical signals through nerve cells.
- Muscle contraction: the process by which muscles generate force and move the body.
- Respiration: the process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the environment and the body.
- Circulation: the movement of blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Learn about the study of functions and processes in living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, and explore the different levels of organization in physiology.
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