HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

DR S B PHIRI (Human Physiologist)

Dr, S B Phiri
WHAT IS HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY?
The science of the mechanical, physical, and
biochemical functions of humans in good health,
their organs, and the cells of which they are
composed.
PURPOSE: To equip the trainee with
knowledge, skills and values to be applied in
physiological processes.
PRESCRIBED AND RECOMMENDED READINGS
•Ganong, W G, 2007. A review of medical physiology
•Guyton, 2004, Textbook of medical physiology
DR. S Phiri
 IMPORTANCE OF PHYSIOLOGY
• The goal of physiology is to explain the physical and
chemical factors that are responsible for the origin,
development, and progression of life.

• Each type of life, from the simple virus to the largest tree
or the complicated human being, has its own functional
characteristics.

• Therefore, the vast field of physiology can be divided into

viral physiology, bacterial physiology, cellular physiology,
plant physiology, human physiology, animal physiology
and many more subdivisions

• It’s a preclinical course that prepares you for clinicals.

Dr, S B Phiri
 Human Physiology
• In human physiology, we attempt to explain the specific characteristics and
mechanisms of the human body that make it a living being.

• The very fact that we remain alive is almost beyond our control,
– for hunger makes us seek food and
– fear makes us seek refuge.
– Sensations of cold make us look for warmth
– Other forces cause us to seek fellowship and to reproduce

• Thus, the human being is actually an automaton, and the fact that we are
sensing, feeling, and knowledgeable beings is part of this automatic
sequence of life;

• These special attributes allow us to exist under widely varying conditions.

Dr, S B Phiri
 WAYS OF LEARNING AND APPLYING
PHYSIOLOGY
• Tests
 Multiple choice – choose the best
 True or false – determine whether the statement is true or false
 Essays – mechanisms or problem based essays.
• Spot Quiz

• Labs

• Assignments

• Viva voce
Dr, S B Phiri
HOMEOSTASIS

The maintenance of a steady state in

the body despite changes in the
external environment
The steady state is the optimum level
for the body functions