Physiology Module 1: Cell Communication and Intro to Physiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of physiology, and what is its scope in terms of organisms?

The primary focus of physiology is the study of the normal functioning of living organisms. It delves into the study of all organisms, not just humans.

What are the two fundamental questions that need to be asked to understand physiological processes, using the example of shivering?

The two questions are: Why do we shiver? (to combat cold) and How do we shiver? (what is the body's reaction to combat the cold?)

What are the nine major body systems, and what is their primary function?

The nine major body systems are: Digestive, Endocrine, Circulatory, Nervous, Reproductive, Urinary, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Immune. Each system has a unique function, but they all work together to maintain homeostasis.

What is homeostasis, and why is it crucial for the body?

Homeostasis is the stability of the internal environment. It is crucial because most cells are not in direct contact with the external environment, and the body must maintain stability to function properly. Signup and view all the answers

How does the body respond to changes in the internal environment, and what is the role of control mechanisms?

The body responds to changes by altering functions to stay within the homeostatic range. Control mechanisms correct deviations from the setpoint, ensuring that the internal environment remains stable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the setpoint in maintaining homeostasis, and how does the body respond when deviations occur?

The setpoint is the ideal range for a physiological parameter. When deviations occur, control mechanisms correct them, restoring the body to its ideal state. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between local and long distance reflexes, providing an example of each.

Local reflexes refer to local responses, such as blood vessel dilation, whereas long distance reflexes involve responses that occur at a distance from the stimulus, such as shivering. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the primary difference in stimulation between the endocrine and nervous systems.

The endocrine system is stimulated differently than the nervous system, as it does not involve the generation of electrical signals, and instead relies on the release of hormones into the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of autocrine factors, and provide an example of their action.

Autocrine factors are secreted or cell surface bound growth factors and cytokines that act on the same cell or adjacent cells of the same lineage. For example, osteoblasts release cytokines to act back on themselves, helping in cell differentiation. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between paracrine and endocrine factors, highlighting their key differences.

Paracrine factors act locally within a tissue, affecting adjacent cells, whereas endocrine factors are hormones produced in endocrine organs with effects on distant organs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of maintaining calcium homeostasis, and how does the parathyroid gland regulate calcium levels?

Maintaining calcium homeostasis is crucial as deviating from the narrow range can lead to muscle contraction disorders. The parathyroid gland detects changes in calcium levels and releases parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels by influencing kidney excretion, gut uptake, and bone resorption. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of tropic hormones, and provide an example of one such hormone?

Tropic hormones regulate the production and secretion of another hormone. An example is thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Physiology

The study of normal functioning of living organisms, not limited to humans, but also involving other organisms.
Physiology moves from the microscopic level to a more connected view of the functioning of organisms.

Body Systems

There are 11 body systems:
- Digestive
- Endocrine
- Circulatory
- Nervous
- Reproductive
- Urinary
- Respiratory
- Musculoskeletal
- Immune
- Integument

Homeostasis

Stability of internal environment, as most cells are not in direct contact with external environment.
Body monitors functions to stay in homeostatic range, with control mechanisms altering function if too far from setpoint.
There is a certain threshold where the body will begin to correct the change.
Examples of homeostasis include local and long distance reflexes, such as blood vessel dilation and shivering.

Cell Communication

The endocrine and nervous systems control the majority of the functions in the body.
Endocrine cells are not stimulated via the generation of electrical signals, but are stimulated differently.
Hormones released into the bloodstream will be present in the entire circulation, but only target cells with specific receptors respond to the signal.

Endocrine System

Autocrine factors: secreted or cell surface bound growth factors and cytokines that act on the same cell or adjacent cells of the same lineage.
Paracrine factors: secreted or cell surface bound growth factors and cytokines that act locally within a tissue, affecting only adjacent or nearby cells.
Endocrine factors: secreted hormones produced in an endocrine organ to have effects on distant organs.

Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium must be kept at a strict amount, as differing amounts can be disastrous in terms of muscle contraction disorders.
The parathyroid gland detects changes in Ca levels and releases/inhibits parathyroid hormone, which acts on parathyroid hormone receptors to regulate:
- Calcium excretion from the kidneys
- Calcium uptake from the diet through the gut
- Bone resorption to release calcium stores

Hormone Function

Tropic hormones regulate the production and secretion of another hormone.
Example: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary, which stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of physiology, including the definition and scope of the field, and explores cell communication and response mechanisms, such as shivering.