Introduction to Physiology

Prepared By: Floriza P. de Leon, PTRP

Introduction
Physiology is the study of structures and the

mechanisms and processes that makes it a living thing

Subdivisions of Physiology
Viral physiology Bacterial physiology Cellular physiology Plant physiology Human physiology

Human physiology attempt to explain the

specific characteristics and mechanisms of the human body that make it a living thing

Cell as the Living Units of the Body

Cell basic living unit of the body Each type of cell is specially adapted to

perform one or a few particular functions

RBC most abundant of any single type of

cell in the body

ECF the Internal Environment

1/3 is the ECF It is in constant motion throughout the

body Transported rapidly in the circulating blood and then mixed between the blood and the tissue fluids by diffusion through the capillary walls Contains ions and nutrients needed by the cells to maintain cell life All cells live in essentially the same environment the ECF (internal environment)

Differences Between ECF and ICF

ECF Sodium, chloride, bicarbonates, Oxygen, glucose, fatty acids, Amino acids, carbon dioxide Metabolic waste Potassium Magnesium Phosphate ions ICF

Homeostasis
homeostatic mechanisms of the major

functional system Homeostasis maintenance of nearly constant condition in the internal environment Essentially all organs and tissues of the body perform functions that help maintain these constant conditions

ECF Transport
ECF is transported through all parts of the

body in two stages

Movement of the blood through the body in

the blood vessels Movement of fluid between blood capillaries and intracellular spaces between the tissue cells
1x/min at rest 6x/min during activity Homogeneity plasma and interstitial fluid

continually being mixed up through diffusion Diffusion occurs due to kinetic motion of

Origin of Nutrients
Respiratory System
Blood picks up oxygen in the alveoli, thus acquiring

the oxygen needed by the cells Alveolar membrane membrane between the alveoli and the lumen of the pulmonary capillaries
Gastrointestinal Tract difference dissolved

nutrients including CHO, fatty acids, CHON, are absorbed from the ingested food into the ECF of the blood Liver and other organs that perform metabolic functions
Liver changes the chemical composition of many of

these substances to more usable forms, and other tissues of the body (fat cells, gastrointestinal mucosa, kidneys, endocrine glands help modify absorbed substances)

Musculoskeletal system
Mobility Motility for protection

Removal of Metabolic EndProducts

Removal of carbon dioxide by lungs
CO2 most abundant of all end products of

metabolism
Kidneys urea and uric acid

Regulation of Body Functions

Nervous System
Sensory input detects the state of body or the state

of the surroundings CNS (integrative portion) can store information, generate thoughts, create ambition, and determine reaction Motor output transmits appropriate signals to carry out ones desires Autonomic system large segment of NS that operates at a subconscious level and controls many functions of the internal organs
Hormonal System
8 major endocrine glands that secrete chemical

substances called hormones Hormones are transported in ECF to all parts of the body to help regulate cellular functions (thyroid, insulin, adrenocortical hormones, parathyroid) NS regulates mainly muscular and secretory activities

Control Systems of the Body

Regulation of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

concentration in the ECF

Oxygen depends on principally on the chemical

characteristics of hemoglobin Oxygen-buffering function of hemoglobin CO2 increase in CO2 excites the respiratory center
Regulation of arterial blood pressure

Baroreceptor system Bifurcation region of carotid arteries and arch of

aorta baroreceptors Vasomotor center (medulla) diminished impulses transmitted from SNS to heart and blood vessels Decreases HR and causes dilatation

Normal Ranges Characteristics of constituents

Negative Feedback

and Physical Important ECF

CO2 concentration Arterial pressure-regulating mechanism

Gain of a control system

Degree of effectiveness with which a control

system maintains constant condition is determine by the gain of the negative feedback

Positive Feedback
Blood clotting Child birth

Adaptive Control brain uses a principle called

feed-forward control