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 Sensory Receptor? Definition of Sensory Receptor A sensory receptor is a structure or specialized cell that detects and responds to physical stimuli in the environment, both internally and externally. It converts these stimuli into electrical signals that are transmitted to the central nervous system for processing and perception. How Sensory Systems Work? Classification … Read more
What is Cranial nerve? Definition of Cranial nerve Cranial nerves are a set of twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for controlling various functions in the head, neck, and some organs in the chest and abdomen. These nerves transmit sensory information, such as sight, hearing, taste, and touch, … Read more
What is Spinal cord? Definition of Spinal cord The spinal cord is a long, tubular structure made of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem to the lower back. It is a vital part of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It plays … Read more
What is Human Brain? Definition of Brain The brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, responsible for processing information, controlling bodily functions, and facilitating cognition, emotions, and behaviors. Characterisitcs Features of Human Brain The human brain possesses several characteristic features that contribute to its complexity and functionality. Here are some key characteristics … Read more
What is Autonomic nervous system? Definition of Autonomic nervous system The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a division of the nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiration, and sexual arousal. It consists of the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric divisions, which work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to … Read more
What is Urinary System? Definition of Urinary System The urinary system is a collection of organs, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, that work together to eliminate waste from the body, regulate fluid balance, and maintain the chemical stability of the body. Anatomy of the Urinary System Two kidneys, two ureters, a urinary bladder, … Read more
What is Skeletal system? Definition of Skeletal system The skeletal system is the framework of bones, joints, and cartilages that provides support, protection, and facilitates movement in the human body. Types of Skeletal Systems There are three main types of skeletal systems found in different organisms: hydrostatic skeleton, exoskeleton, and endoskeleton. Each type of skeletal … Read more
What is Hypothalamus? Definition of Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain located below the thalamus. It serves as a crucial link between the nervous system and the endocrine system, regulating various metabolic processes and controlling activities such as body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotional behavior. Embryological development of the hypothalamus … Read more
What is a Signal Transduction Pathway? Definition of Signal Transduction Pathway A signal transduction pathway is a series of molecular events inside a cell that converts an external signal into a specific cellular response. Components of signal transduction Signal transduction involves several key components that are common in both plants and animals. These components include: … Read more
What is Hormone? Endocrine Glands and Their Major Hormones Endocrine gland Associated hormones Chemical class Effect Pituitary (anterior) Growth hormone (GH) Peptide Promotes growth of body tissues Pituitary (anterior) Prolactin (PRL) Peptide Promotes milk production Pituitary (anterior) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Peptide Stimulates thyroid hormone release Pituitary (anterior) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Peptide Stimulates hormone release by … Read more
