Download Human physiology is the science of the mechanical

Human physiology is the science of the mechanical, physical, and
biochemical processes that support the function of our bodies.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES [ edit ]
Describe the purpose of homeostasis.
Distinguish physiology from anatomy.
KEY POINTS [ edit ]
The study of physiology occurs at many levels, including at the level of the organism, organ
systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules.
Physiology investigates the processes that support growth and development, absorption and
processing of nutrients, and synthesis and distribution of protein and other organic molecules.
Homeostasis is the maintenance of the overall resistance of the body, which is monitored by
the brain and nervous system and is regulated by the physiology of individual organs.
While anatomy deals with the structure of an organism, physiology deals with the way that the
parts function together.
TERMS [ edit ]
physiology
A branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as
organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved.
homeostasis
The ability of a system or living organism to adjust its internal environment to maintain a stable
equilibrium; such as the ability of warm-blooded animals to maintain a constant temperature.
Living Systems
Living systems are open self-organizing living things that interact with their environment. These
systems are maintained by flows of information, energy and matter.
EXAMPLE [ edit ]
Examples of physiological processes are numerous, but one example would be the steps that allow
a muscle to convert energy sources into mechanical force.
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Physiology is the science of the function
of living systems. The principal level of
focus of physiology is at the level of organs
and systems within systems. This includes
how organisms, organ systems, organs,
cells, and bio-molecules carry out the
chemical or physical functions that exist in
a living system to support growth and
development, absorption and processing
of nutrients, and synthesis and
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distribution of protein and other organic molecules. Human physiology is the science of the
mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of humans, their organs, and the cells of
which they are composed.
Leonardo da Vinci's "The Vitruvian Man"
Vitruvian Man: A drawing created by Leonardo da Vinci. The drawing is based on the correlations
of ideal human proportions with geometry described[4] by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius in
Book III of his treatise De Architectura.
Homeostasis
The term "homeostasis" refers to the maintenance of overall inner resistance in the body.
Homeostasis stabilizes the body by regulating the internal environment. This is required for
the body to function sufficiently. The homeostatic process is essential for the survival of each
cell, tissue, and body system. Homeostasis in a general sense refers to stability, balance, or
equilibrium. Maintaining a stable internal environment requires constant monitoring, mostly
by the brain and nervous system. The brain receives information from the body and responds
appropriately through the release of various substances
likeneurotransmitters, catecholamines, and hormones. Individual organ physiology
facilitates the maintenance of homeostasis of the whole body. For instance, blood pressure is
regulated by the release of renin by the kidneys, which allows blood pressure to be stabilized.
The brain also helps regulate blood pressure by the pituitary releasing anti-diuretic
hormone (ADH). Thus, homeostasis is maintained within the body as a whole, dependent
upon its parts.
Body Systems
Traditionally, the academic discipline of physiology views the body as a collection of
interacting systems, each with its own combination of functions and purposes. Each body
system contributes to the homeostasis of other systems and of the entire organism. No
system of the body works in isolation, and the well-being of the person depends upon the
well-being of all the interacting body systems. The traditional divisions by system are
somewhat arbitrary. Many body parts participate in more than one system, and systems
might be organized by function, by embryological origin, or by other categorizations. For
instance, the "neuroendocrine system" is the complex interactions of the neurological and
endocrinological systems which together regulate physiology. Furthermore, many aspects of
physiology are not as easily included in the traditional organ system categories.
The study of how physiology is altered in disease is pathophysiology.
Anatomy
Human anatomy deals with the way that the parts of humans, from molecules to bones,
interact to form a functional whole. The study of anatomy is distinct from the study of
physiology, although the two are often paired. While anatomy deals with the structure of an
organism, physiology deals with the way that the parts function together. For example, an
anatomist may study the types of cells in the cardiac conduction system and how those cells
are connected, while a physiologist would look at why and how the heart beats. Thus,
anatomy and physiology are separate, but complimentary studies of how an organism works.
The human heart and lungs
Anatomy and physiology are complimentary disciplines as the structure of body systems often
influences system function.