Physiology Overview

Overview of Physiology

Physiology is the study of the functions and processes that occur within living organisms, from the molecular and cellular level to the entire organism.

Branches of Physiology

• Human Physiology: studies the functions and processes of the human body
• Animal Physiology: studies the functions and processes of animals
• Plant Physiology: studies the functions and processes of plants
• Microbial Physiology: studies the functions and processes of microorganisms
• Comparative Physiology: compares the functions and processes of different organisms

Levels of Organization

• Molecular Physiology: studies the functions and processes of biomolecules (e.g. DNA, proteins, hormones)
• Cellular Physiology: studies the functions and processes of cells (e.g. cell signaling, metabolism)
• Organ Physiology: studies the functions and processes of organs (e.g. heart, lungs, liver)
• System Physiology: studies the functions and processes of organ systems (e.g. nervous, circulatory, respiratory)
• Organismal Physiology: studies the functions and processes of the entire organism

Physiological Processes

• Homeostasis: the ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment
• Regulation: the process of controlling physiological processes to maintain homeostasis
• Integration: the coordination of physiological processes to achieve a specific function
• Adaptation: the ability of the body to adapt to changes in the environment

Physiological Systems

• Nervous System: controls and coordinates body functions
• Circulatory System: transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products
• Respiratory System: brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide
• Digestive System: breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food
• Endocrine System: produces and regulates hormones
• Immune System: defends the body against pathogens and diseases
• Muscular System: moves the body and maintains posture
• Skeletal System: provides support and protection for the body

Overview of Physiology

• Physiology is the study of functions and processes that occur within living organisms, from molecular and cellular level to the entire organism.

Branches of Physiology

• Human Physiology focuses on the functions and processes of the human body.
• Animal Physiology examines the functions and processes of animals.
• Plant Physiology studies the functions and processes of plants.
• Microbial Physiology explores the functions and processes of microorganisms.
• Comparative Physiology compares the functions and processes of different organisms.

Levels of Organization

• Molecular Physiology investigates the functions and processes of biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and hormones.
• Cellular Physiology analyzes the functions and processes of cells, including cell signaling and metabolism.
• Organ Physiology examines the functions and processes of organs, such as the heart, lungs, and liver.
• System Physiology studies the functions and processes of organ systems, including the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems.
• Organismal Physiology explores the functions and processes of the entire organism.

Physiological Processes

• Homeostasis is the ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
• Regulation involves controlling physiological processes to maintain homeostasis.
• Integration is the coordination of physiological processes to achieve a specific function.
• Adaptation enables the body to adapt to changes in the environment.

Physiological Systems

• The Nervous System controls and coordinates body functions.
• The Circulatory System transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products.
• The Respiratory System brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.
• The Digestive System breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food.
• The Endocrine System produces and regulates hormones.
• The Immune System defends the body against pathogens and diseases.
• The Muscular System moves the body and maintains posture.
• The Skeletal System provides support and protection for the body.