Introduction to Physiology

Physiology : The study of the functions of

living things
Focuses on mechanism of action
Structure and function are inseparable
Level of Organization in the Body
 Basic Cell Function
Food + O2 CO2 + H2O + energy
Synthesize protein
Exchange materials
Moving materials internally
Respond to changes in external environment
Reproducing (except nerve cells & muscle
cells)
 Specialized Cell Function
Modification or elaboration of basic functions
Gland cells produce digestive enzymes
Selectivity of kidney cells
Muscle contraction
Nerve cell
 Tissues

Tissue

Muscle Nervous Epithelial Connective

Epithelial
Skeletal Smooth Gland Loose Bone
sheet

Cardiac Tendon Blood

Organ
 Concept of Homeostasis
Blood
ECF
Interstitial
Body fluid
fluid
ICF

Homeostasis : Maintenance of relatively

stable internal environment (ECF)
Environment : Internal (ECF) vs External
Homeostatically Regulated Factors
Concentration of nutrients
Concentration of O2 and CO2
Concentration of waste products
pH
Concentrations of water, salt, and other
electrolytes
Volume and pressure
Temperature
 Homeostatic
control system

Intrinsic Extrinsic
 Negative
Feedback
Response Positive
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