GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY

Prof. Eghosa E. IYARE

 Learning Objectives
• 1. Understand Physiology as a science.
• 2. Understand the concept of homeostasis
and be able to relate it to day to day living.
• 3. Understand what happens when
homeostasis is no longer maintained.
• 4. Define the cell and its organelles and
understand the relationship between the
functions of the various organelles and how
they add up to the quality of life.
• 6. Understand the various transport processes
across the cell membrane and be able to
discuss one in detail.
• 5. Define core temperature and understand
the various ways it can be affected and
regulated.
 Introduction
• Physiology as a science
– Definition
– Relationship with other courses
– Cell as the basic physiological unit
– Interrelationship among cells
– The concept of homeostasis
 Homeostasis and Control System
• Homeostasis
– Definition
• Claude Bernard
• Walter Cannon
• Control Systems
– Definition
– Distribution
• Within cells
• Within organs
• Throughout entire body
– Components
• Sensor
• Input
• Integration centre
• Output
• Effector

– Organization
• Feedforward
• Feedback
• Positive
– Generation of AP, LH surge, blood clotting, milk
ejection reflex, parturition

• Negative
– Control of cell function by the gene, Control of
RBC production, Control of arterial BP, Control of
pulmonary ventilation, Regulation of plasma
calcium ion concentration, Renal regulation of
electrolytes, Regulation of blood glucose
concentration, Control of body temperature,
Control of synthesis of most hormones etc…
Temperature Regulation
• Core Temperature
– Average temperature of deeper structures of the body. About 37.8⁰C.
– Temperature/Heat balance
• Heat production = Heat loss
– Heat production – Posterior hypothalamus
– Heat loss – Anterior hypothalamus
• Heat Production
– Metabolic
– Muscular activities
– Hormonal (thyroxine, adrenaline) activities
– Radiation of heat from the environment
– Shivering
– Brown adipose tissues
• Heat Loss
– Conduction, Convection, Radiation
– Evaporation
– Panting
Mechanism of Temperature Regulation
• Increased Body Temperature
– Promotion of Heat Loss
• Increasing sweat secretion
• Inhibiting sympathetic discharge
– Prevention of Heat Production
• Inhibiting shivering
• Inhibiting metabolic reaction
• Decreased Body Temperature
– Prevent heat loss
– Promote heat production