The Human Body: Physiology Notes

Physiology: investigation of the processes or functions of living things Why Physiology: in depth understanding of the human body and how it functions The Human Body: 6 Levels of Organisational Levels: 1. Chemical Level: Atoms that create molecules e.g. protein, carbohydrates, DNA, mono...

Physiology: investigation of the processes or functions of living things Why Physiology: in depth understanding of the human body and how it functions The Human Body: 6 Levels of Organisational Levels: 1. Chemical Level: Atoms that create molecules e.g. protein, carbohydrates, DNA, monosaturides 2. Cell Level: (multiple molecules = cells) cells are the structural and functional units of the body. Each cell contains little organs (organelles) which perform functions 3. Tissue Level: (multiple cells joined together create tissues). 4 types → epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous 4. Organ Level: (comprised of two or more types of tissues) 5. Organ System Level: (multiple organs = organ system). 11 organ systems, multiple organs performing a common function 6. Organism Level: a whole living thing (human body) 11 Human Body Organ Systems: 1. Integumentary system (skin system) 2. Skeletal 3. Muscular 4. Endocrine 5. Respiratory 6. Digestive 7. Lymphatic 8. Cardiovascular 9. Male reproductive 10. Female reproductive 11. Urinary Characteristics of Life:  Organisation - 6 levels of organisation → how these levels interrelate to function  Metabolism - chemical reactions taking place to maintain life. The use of energy to perform functions  Responsiveness - read internal or external change and ability to respond and adjust to those stimuli. Control systems = nervous + endocrine  Growth - increase in cell size and/or number  Development - changes over time → fertilisation to death. Differentiation → change in state from immature generalised to mature specialised  Reproduction - creation of new cells → e.g. red blood cells have a lifespan of 3 months (every 3 months they deteriorate and new ones are formed) in order to maintain life