Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of the functions and mechanisms of living organisms and their parts. It focuses on understanding how living organisms, from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular organisms, function and maintain homeostasis.
Here are some key aspects and concepts related to physiology:
Cellular Physiology: Cellular physiology examines the functions and processes that occur within individual cells. It involves studying cellular structures, organelles, and biochemical processes, such as metabolism, cellular respiration, protein synthesis, and cell signaling. Cellular physiology provides insights into how cells maintain homeostasis and carry out specialized functions.
Organ System Physiology: Organ system physiology investigates the interactions and functions of multiple organs and organ systems within an organism. It explores how different systems, such as the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system, and musculoskeletal system, work together to maintain the overall function and homeostasis of the organism.
Homeostasis: Homeostasis refers to the ability of living organisms to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment. Physiological processes work to regulate body temperature, blood pressure, pH balance, blood glucose levels, and other variables within narrow ranges. Feedback mechanisms, such as negative feedback loops, play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.
Neurophysiology: Neurophysiology focuses on the study of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It explores how neurons transmit and process information, the functions of different brain regions, sensory perception, motor control, and the regulation of behaviors and emotions.
Cardiovascular Physiology: Cardiovascular physiology investigates the functions of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. It explores topics such as cardiac electrophysiology, heart function and regulation, blood circulation, blood pressure regulation, and gas exchange in the lungs.
Respiratory Physiology: Respiratory physiology examines the mechanisms of breathing and gas exchange in the lungs. It investigates the processes involved in ventilation, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide elimination, acid-base balance, and the regulation of respiratory rate.
Endocrine Physiology: Endocrine physiology focuses on the functions of the endocrine system, which includes various glands that produce and secrete hormones. It studies hormone synthesis, release, and signaling, as well as the regulation of physiological processes, growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response.
Exercise Physiology: Exercise physiology explores the effects of physical activity and exercise on the body. It investigates how the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, muscular system, and energy metabolism respond and adapt to exercise, as well as the physiological benefits and limitations of physical activity.
These are just a few areas within the vast field of physiology. Physiology plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanisms underlying the normal functioning of living organisms and the disruptions that occur in various diseases or pathological conditions. It provides a foundation for medical and health-related fields, sports science, and research in biological sciences.
What is Blood pressure? Factors Regulating Blood Pressure The regulation of blood pressure is a complex and dynamic process that involves multiple systems working together to maintain homeostasis. Even under normal physiological conditions, arterial blood pressure can exhibit variability. However, the body employs four primary regulatory systems to ensure that blood pressure remains within acceptable … Read more
What is Electrocardiogram (ECG)? Purpose of ECG Test The electrocardiogram (ECG) test is a fundamental diagnostic tool utilized in cardiology to assess the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm. Its purposes are multifaceted, enabling healthcare providers to detect, diagnose, and monitor various cardiac conditions effectively. Working principle of electrocardiograph/Electrocardiogram Waves of Normal ECG A normal electrocardiogram … Read more
The regulation of heart rate is a critical component of cardiovascular physiology, influencing overall heart function and health. Heart rate (HR) is defined as the number of times the heart beats within a minute. Together with stroke volume (SV), which is the volume of blood ejected from each ventricle during a single contraction, heart rate … Read more
What is Frank-Starling Law? Mechanism of the Frank-Starling mechanism The mechanism underlying left ventricular performance is intricately linked to the Frank-Starling Law, which establishes the relationship between preload and cardiac output. This relationship can be observed through the Frank-Starling curves, which depict how variations in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV) or pressure influence stroke volume … Read more
What is Heart Conduction System? Components of Heart Conduction System The heart conduction system is a specialized network that plays a critical role in maintaining the heart’s rhythm and ensuring effective blood circulation throughout the body. This system consists of various components, each with unique functions that contribute to the synchronized contraction of the heart … Read more
What is Cardiac Cycle? Cardiac Cycle Phases The cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of events that occurs from the beginning of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next. This cycle consists of two primary phases: ventricular contraction, known as systole, and ventricular relaxation, referred to as diastole. Each of these phases can be … Read more
What is Myocardium? Definition of Myocardium The myocardium is the thick, muscular middle layer of the heart wall, located between the epicardium and endocardium. It is primarily composed of cardiac muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) that enable the heart to contract and pump blood throughout the body. Layers in the Walls of the Heart The heart, a … Read more
Overview of Heart Conduction The conduction system of the heart is a complex network that orchestrates the electrical signals required for heart muscle contraction. This system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated manner, facilitating efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The process begins with the generation of an electrical signal, which propagates through … Read more
What is Coronary circulation? Anatomy Of the coronary circulation The anatomy of the coronary circulation is crucial for understanding how the heart receives its blood supply. This system consists of the coronary arteries and veins, which work together to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium and return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Coronary Arteries … Read more
What is Cardiac Output? What is Cardiac Index? Cardiac Index (CI) is a crucial measure in cardiovascular physiology that expresses cardiac output in relation to the individual’s body surface area (BSA). This index provides a more accurate understanding of heart function by accounting for the size of the person, making it a more individualized and … Read more
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