Intro to Physiology

Question 1

Define the study of physiology.

Answer 1

The study of how the various parts of the body work together to achieve optimal functional capacity of the body .

Question 2

How does homeostasis apply to the body?

Answer 2

To quote Claude Bernard “The constancy of the internal environment is the condition
for a free and independent life”

Question 3

Identify the major roles of the organ systems.

Answer 3

See table in important slides week 4.

Question 4

Differentiate between a teleological approach and a mechanistic approach to the study of physiology.

Answer 4

Teleological approaches:
Example: Why does glucose leave the blood and enter cells?
Glucose enters the cell to provide energy for cell activities

Mechanistic approaches:
Example: How does glucose leave the blood and enter cells?
Glucose enters cells in response to insulin’s effect on mobilizing glucose transporters to the cell membrane

Question 5

Differentiate between negative and positive feedback systems.

Answer 5

Negative feedback act to maintain the control variable at set value. Good! Example: If MAP decreases, baroreceptors detect, send to medulla, decrease sympathetic response, increase parasympathetic response, increases CO or peripheral pressure, MAP increases.

Positive feedback systems act to reinforce change in variable, leading to explosion. Bad!

Question 6

Compare neural and hormonal signaling.

Answer 6

Same components but neural connections are replaced by humoral signals.
Neuro ex:
signal: sensory receptor: afferent neuron: integrating center: efferent neuron: effector organs