Methods in studying physiology

Physiology department
Helwan University
 Learning objectives
• Identify different methods and describe its
use.

• Acknowledge the diversity of methods that

contribute to studying physiology.

• Identify new technological methods e.g.

Simulation and power labs.
 Methods used in Physiology

• Physical :(ESR, blood pressure, spirometry)

• Chemical :( Specific gravity)
• Immunological :( Blood groups)
• Clinical :( Sensory & Motor Examination)
• Electrical :( ECG ,EEG & Kymograph)
 Physical methods .1
a. ESR ( Westgren’s apparatus)
• Erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR).
• It detects the rate at which the red blood
sediments at a vertical column of blood.
• It’s a prognostic Not diagnostic test (non
specific).
b. Spirometry
Is the measurement of different lung volumes and
.capacities
It is used as an indicator of the efficiency of mechanical
.process of breathing
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It is used as a diagnostic tool of lung diseases
c. Blood pressure
 Immunological methods .2
Blood group
• This test we can identify the blood groups based on the
presence or absence of certain antigen on the red blood
cells.

• The test itself is an example of antigen- antibody reaction.

• It has been essential to know the blood group of each person

,considered as an ID in cases of a medical emergency.

• This is essential in Blood transfusion.

 Electrical methods .3
These are groups of tests that depend on
.detection of electrical activities in the body

.These tests have important diagnostic role

 a. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• It gives a clear idea about the heart activities.
changes in the ECG is enough to diagnose
different heart diseases .
 b. Electroencephalogram (EEG)

• This test measure the brain activity .

• Its records are ideal so some extra brain
activity as in epilepsy can be easily diagnosed .
 c. Kymograph
• It records a single
muscle twitch
(contraction).
• SMT : a single muscle
stimulation will cause a
single contraction.
• This is used for research
or lab purposes only.
d. Recording action potentials

.The method is called patch clamping •

It records potential differences between two points by •
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.using two electrodes
Technology in studying physiology

• Simulation labs.
• Data acquisition systems e.g. power lab
Thank you