Introduction to physiology

DR IMRAN AFTAB
PHYSIOLOGY
The study of the functions of the body
Known as the “Queen of medicine”!
Focuses on mechanisms of action
Why necessary to study?
To get answers of the questions regarding ourselves.
“Why do I shiver when I am cold?”
A physiologist’s answer to the mechanism of
shivering
Consists of 6 levels:
Chemicals
Cell
Tissue
Organ
System
Organism
CHEMICAL LEVEL
Various atoms and molecules
Most common atoms: oxygen, carbon,
hydrogen and nitrogen - ~ 96% of total
body chemistry
Molecules: e.g.: proteins,carbohydrates,
fats and nucleic acids.
Inanimate raw materials from which all
living things arise
Various atoms and molecules
Most common atoms: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen
and nitrogen - ~ 96% of total body chemistry
Molecules: e.g.: proteins, carbohydrates, fats and
nucleic acids.
Inanimate raw materials from which all living
things arise
CELLULAR LEVEL
oCells are the basic structural and
functional units of life
oThe smallest units capable of carrying
out the processes associated with life
oThey perform Basic functions–
essential for survival of the cell
oSpecialized functions– essential for
the survival of the whole body
Groups of cells with similar specialization

Four primary types:

1. Muscle tissue
2. Nervous tissue
3. Epithelial tissue
4. Connective tissue
Muscle tissue
Specialized for contraction and force generation
Three types:
I. Skeletal muscle: accomplishes movement
of the skeleton
II. Cardiac muscle: responsible
for pumping blood out of the
heart
III. Smooth muscle: encloses
and controls movement of
contents through hollow
tubes and organ
Epithelial tissue:
•Cells specialized for the exchange of materials between
cell an its environment
•Glands: epithelial tissues specialized for secreting
•Exocrine glands: secrete through ducts to the outside of
the body
•Endocrine glands: ductless glands that produce hormones
which are released into the blood
Connective tissue
•Connects, supports and anchors various body
parts
A unit made up of several tissue types
•Organized together to perform a
particular function or functions
•Examples: stomach, heart, liver, lung,
kidneys, brain,
•A collection of organs that perform related
functions and interact to accomplish a
common activity

•Human body has 11 major systems

The body systems are packed together into a functional
whole body
THANK YOU!