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Physiology Lecture Notes Introduction to Human Physiology

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Physiology Lecture Notes Introduction to Human Physiology

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ajullo3333
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Physiology Lecture Notes: Introduction to Human Physiology

I. Introduction to Physiology

Physiology: The study of how the human body functions, focusing on the mechanisms
that keep the body alive and working.
Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite
external changes.

II. Basic Principles of Physiology

1. Homeostatic Control Mechanisms:


Receptor: Detects changes in the environment (stimuli).
Control Center: Processes the information and sends instructions (usually the brain).
Effector: Responds to restore balance (e.g., muscles or glands).
2. Feedback Loops:
Negative Feedback: Reduces or shuts off the original stimulus (e.g., body temperature
regulation).
Positive Feedback: Enhances the original stimulus (e.g., blood clotting, childbirth).

III. Cellular Physiology

1. Cell Structure and Function:


Plasma Membrane: Controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Cytoplasm: Fluid where cell activities occur.
Organelles: Specialized structures (e.g., mitochondria, ribosomes, nucleus).
2. Transport Mechanisms:
Passive Transport: No energy required (e.g., diffusion, osmosis).
Active Transport: Requires energy (e.g., sodium-potassium pump).

IV. Organ Systems and Their Functions

1. Nervous System Physiology:


Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves outside the CNS.
Neuron Function: Transmission of electrical impulses (action potentials).
2. Muscular System Physiology:
Types of Muscle: Skeletal, cardiac, smooth.
Mechanism of Contraction: Sliding filament theory (actin and myosin interaction).
Energy Use: ATP is required for muscle contraction and relaxation.
3. Cardiovascular System Physiology:
Heart Function: Pumps blood through the body.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Controlled by the heart rate, blood volume, and vessel
resistance.
Circulation Types:
Systemic Circulation: Oxygenated blood to the body.
Pulmonary Circulation: Deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
4. Respiratory System Physiology:
Gas Exchange: Occurs in the alveoli (O₂ in, CO₂ out).
Respiratory Rate Regulation: Controlled by the medulla oblongata based on CO₂
levels.
5. Digestive System Physiology:
Process: Ingestion → Digestion → Absorption → Elimination.
Enzymes: Break down macromolecules (e.g., amylase for carbs, lipase for fats).
6. Renal (Urinary) System Physiology:
Function: Removes waste and maintains fluid/electrolyte balance.
Nephron: Functional unit of the kidney; filters blood to form urine.
7. Endocrine System Physiology:
Hormones: Chemical messengers regulating body functions.
Glands: Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, etc.
Feedback Mechanisms: Maintain hormone levels.

V. Key Physiological Concepts

1. Metabolism:
Anabolism: Building complex molecules (requires energy).
Catabolism: Breaking down molecules (releases energy).
2. Electrolyte Balance:
Importance: Essential for nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.
Key Electrolytes: Sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺).
3. Acid-Base Balance:
pH Regulation: Maintained by buffer systems, respiration, and kidney function.
Normal Blood pH: 7.35–7.45.

VI. Physiological Disorders and Examples

1. Diabetes Mellitus:
Caused by insufficient insulin or insulin resistance.
Type 1: Autoimmune; no insulin production.
Type 2: Lifestyle-related; insulin resistance.
2. Hypertension:
High blood pressure due to increased resistance in blood vessels.
3. Respiratory Disorders:
Asthma: Airways narrow and swell, causing breathing difficulties.

Key Questions for Review:

1. What is homeostasis, and why is it essential?


2. How do negative and positive feedback mechanisms differ?
3. What are the main functions of the nervous system?
4. Explain the process of muscle contraction.
5. How does the kidney maintain fluid balance?

These notes offer a comprehensive introduction to human physiology. Dive deeper into
specific systems and practice applying concepts to case studies or diagrams!

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