Physiology Flashcards
What is physiology?
The study of animal function (anatomy is the biological form of an organism)
Properties of animals (physiological level)
- Structurally dynamic
- Organised systems that require energy
- Most cells are exposed to an internal
environment, not the external environment - Size
- Time
What is meant by the structurally dynamic property?
They differ from other inanimate objects
1. Atoms in dynamic exchange with the environment throughout life
2. Molecular constituents are broken down and rebuilt
3. Adults typically re-synthesise 2%-3% of their body proteins each day
What is meant by the organised systems property?
- Molecular structure in tissues are relatively constant
over time - Organisation in a dynamic system requires
energy - An animal is defined by its organization
What is meant by the cells and internal environment property?
Conformity: internal and external conditions are equal
Regulation: maintains internal consistency in the face of external
variability (Organisms use homeostasis)
What is meant by the property of size?
Traits often vary in regular ways with their body size
As animals increase in size, they have longer gestation periods
What is meant by the property of time?
There are 5-time frames in which the physiology of animals can change
3- external environment
2- internally programmed
What is meant by the property of time?
There are 5-time frames in which the physiology of animals can change
3- External environment
2- Internally programmed
Are animals and their environment interrelated or independent?
Interrelated
What happens as an animal increases in size?
Thicker skeletons are required for support
Increase in muscle mass
What is an example of an environment that limits the range of animal forms
Water, denser than water which explains why faster swimmers are fusiform
What are the physical laws that exchange is constrained by?
Surface area and volume of a cell
What is an evolutionary adaptation that enables sufficient exchange with the environment?
Branched or folded structures
What is bioenergetics?
The overall flow and transformation of energy in an animal. Determining its needs and relates to its size, activity and environment
What is metabolic rate?
The total amount of energy an animal uses in a unit
of time
