Physiology Unit 1 Flashcards

Anatomy and Physiology

• Principle of complementarity: Structure determines function; a specific form allows a structure to perform its function effectively.

Levels of Structural Organization

• Chemical level: Atoms combine to form molecules; molecules create organelles, which are the functional units of cells.
• Cellular level: Cells share common functions but differ in structure and function.
• Tissue level: Groups of similar cells working together; categories include epithelium, muscle, connective, and nervous tissue, each with distinct roles.
• Organ level: Composed of at least two different tissue types to perform specific functions.
• Organ system: Groups of organs that collaborate to achieve common physiological goals.
• Organismal level: Totality of all structural levels functioning cohesively to sustain life.

Survival Needs

• Key survival needs: Nutrients, oxygen, water, and appropriate temperature & atmospheric pressure.

Functional Characteristics of Life

• Essential traits: Maintaining boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

Homeostasis

• Significance: Homeostasis ensures a stable internal environment despite external changes; it is crucial for health and function.

Feedback Mechanisms

• Positive feedback: Enhances original stimulus to push the system further from its starting point (e.g., childbirth contractions).
• Negative feedback: Counteracts changes, returning systems to their set point to maintain homeostasis (e.g., regulating body temperature).

Anatomical Position

• Definition: Body is upright with feet shoulder-width apart, arms at sides, and palms facing forward; serves as a reference point for anatomical terminology.
• Importance: Provides a standard frame of reference for describing anatomical locations and relationships.

Directional Terms

• Olecranal region (elbow) is superior, medial, and proximal to the palm.
• The palm is inferior, lateral, and distal to the olecranal region.

Organ Systems Overview

• Eleven organ systems include:
  • Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nervous, Digestive, Reproductive, Muscular, Skeletal, Lymphatic, Endocrine, Urinary, and Integumentary.

Organ System Functions

• Cardiovascular System: Consists of blood vessels and heart; responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Respiratory System: Includes nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, and bronchi; facilitates gas exchange and maintains oxygen supply.
• Nervous System: Comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; serves as the control center responding to internal and external changes.
• Digestive System: Contains oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver; breaks down food for nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
• Reproductive System: In males includes penis, testes, prostate; in females includes ovaries, uterus; responsible for producing offspring and sexual hormones.
• Muscular System: Primarily skeletal muscles; enables movement and posture, generates heat.
• Skeletal System: Composed of bones and joints; provides structure, protects organs, and produces blood cells.
• Lymphatic System: Includes lymphatic vessels, nodes, and organs; helps return fluid to blood and protects against pathogens.
• Endocrine System: Composed of glands like the thyroid and adrenal; regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction through hormones.
• Urinary System: Consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra; removes waste and regulates fluid balance.
• Integumentary System: Composed of skin, hair, and nails; serves as a protective barrier for internal structures.

Homeostatic Imbalance and Disease

• Homeostatic imbalance can lead to health issues; diminished internal balance often correlates with aging and disease onset.