Lecture 1

Question 1

physiology

Answer 1

• comes from the greek word “PHUSIOLOGIA”

- means knowledge of nature

Question 2

what is physiology

Answer 2

• is the study of the normal functioning of a living organism and its component parts
• structure and function relationships
• includes chemical and physical interactions
• living organisms possesses emergent properties

Question 3

emergent properties

Answer 3

• properties of a system that are a result of non-linear interaction between component parts
• the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Question 4

alive vs not alive

Answer 4

alive:

1) made pf one or more cells
- cell is basic unit of life
2) regulate it internal environment
3) respond to stimuli
4) capable of reproduction
- self-replication
- viruses are not alive

Question 5

levels of organization

Answer 5

1. atoms
2. molecules
3. cells
4. tissues
5. organs
6. organ systems
7. organisms
8. population
9. ecosystem
10. biosphere
    small-large

Question 6

why is physiology important

Answer 6

• leads to treatment of diseases in humans and other organisms (pathophysiology)
• helps us understand how organisms cope with environmental stressors
• foundation of understanding “what is life”
• required credit for programs, ect

Question 7

why is physiology exciting

Answer 7

• fundamental understanding of how life works
• leads to treatment of diseases
• pathway and drug discovery
• new tech
• molecular basis of evolution

Question 8

themes in physiology

Answer 8

• structure and function are closely related
  1. organs
  2. cells
  3. molecular interactions
• homeostasis and control systems
• info flow coordinates body function
• need for energy
• evolution

Question 9

what is homeostatsis

Answer 9

• the ability to maintain a relatively constant internal enviornment even when the external envionrment is variable
• in 1800’s Claude Bernard called this “la fixite du millieu interieur “
• word was coined by walter canon, 1929

Question 10

homeostatsis internal environment parameters

Answer 10

• temp
• pH
• salinity (of ions and other solutes)
• oxygen, carbon dioxide
• nutrients

Question 11

homeostatisis does not mean

Answer 11

1. equilibrium
   - see a dynamic steady state inside and outside cells
2. never changing
   - internal parameters change often, in response to enviornmental challenges
   - homeostasis is the ability to maintain a relativley constant internal envionment

Question 12

control systems

Answer 12

• homeostasis requires control systems

- control system monitors and adjusts regulated variables (internal temp, pH)