What is Physiology?
Study of functions of living things, focuses on how body functions across systems. Links basic sciences with medicine.
Define Homeostasis.
Maintenance of relatively stable internal fluid environment surrounding cells. Goal for normal bodily function.
What is Intracellular Fluid (ICF)?
Approximately 66% (2/3) of total body water, found within tissue cells.
What is Extracellular Fluid (ECF)?
Approximately 33% (1/3) of total body fluid, located outside tissue cells.
What does Interstitial Fluid (ISF) represent?
Makes up 75% of ECF, fluid in spaces between tissue cells.
List the components of the Homeostatic Control System.
What is the function of a Sensor in homeostasis?
Detects variations from normal ‘set point’ in internal environment.
What is the role of the Control Center/Integrator?
Receives input from sensor, integrates with set point, sends instructions to effector.
Define the function of an Effector.
Carries out adjustments to restore controlled variable to normal.
What factors are maintained homeostatically?
What is Intrinsic (Local) Control?
Built into an organ itself.
What is Extrinsic (Systemic) Control?
Initiated outside an organ, typically involving nervous and/or endocrine systems.
Define Negative Feedback.
Most common homeostatic control system, response opposes or counteracts the initial stimulus.
Give an example of Negative Feedback in blood glucose regulation.
High glucose triggers insulin release to lower levels; low glucose triggers glucagon to raise levels.
What is an example of Negative Feedback in arterial blood pressure regulation?
Baroreceptors sense BP changes, brain adjusts heart rate and blood vessel diameter.
Explain Negative Feedback related to body core temperature.
Nerve cells detect temperature, brain signals skeletal muscles to shiver or sweat.
Define Positive Feedback.
Rarer system, response reinforces initial stimulus, amplifying the effect.
What is an example of Positive Feedback in blood clotting?
Activated platelets release clotting factors, amplifying clot formation until vessel repaired.
Describe the Positive Feedback mechanism in childbirth.
Oxytocin causes contractions, cervical stretch causes more oxytocin release.
What is an example of Positive Feedback in nerve signals?
Initial Na⁺ influx causes more Na⁺ influx, propagating action potential.
Define Feedforward Control.
Mechanism to prevent problems before they occur.
Give an example of Feedforward Control in postural adjustments.
Adjusting posture before falling on an unstable surface.
What is an example of Feedforward Control in the GI system?
Salivation and stomach growling when smelling food.
Define Adaptive Control.
Type of delayed negative feedback allowing body to adjust responses over time.