Iintroduction to

Human
Physiology
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mart-Servier Med
Dr.Heba Alhamal ical Art
PHYSIOLOGY
The goal of physiology is to explain the physical and
chemical factors that are responsible for the origin
development, and progression of life.

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 The History of Physiology
Early explanations of how the human body worked were
often guesses based on processes that were familiar to
scientists. For example, some thought the formation of
an embryo was similar to how milk turns into cheese.
Other early scientists compared blood flow throughout
the body to weather patterns.

In the 17th century, microscopes helped shed new light on

the cells that make up the human body, leading to a
new understanding of physiology. More recently, tools
like gene sequencing technologies and new types of
body scans have given physiologists an expanded
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vision of the human body.
 Science of body functions

Teleological Mechanistic
• the why, explains • the how, explained in
purpose of a terms of cause and
physiological effect of physiological
process process
Human physiology

Example Example
• shivering elevates a • when body temperature
low body drops below normal, a
temperature reflex pathway causes
involuntary skeletal muscle
contractions which produce
heat
Physiology vs.
Anatomy
Anatomy is the study of the structures of animals,
plants, and humans. Physiology is the study of
how those structures work.

An imaging scan like an X-ray or ultrasound shows

your anatomy, giving images of bones and
ligaments. Doctors use other tests -- like urine
and blood tests or electrocardiograms (EKGs)
-- to reveal details about your body’s
physiology.
Physiology vs.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology is a science within
physiology. It is the study of the changes
in the body that are the cause or effect of
injuries or diseases.
PROCESS VS.
FUNCTION

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Maybe you need to divide the content

PROCESS FUNCTION
1. How do we breath ? 1. Why do we breath?
2. How does blood flow? 2. Why does the blood flow?
3. How do RBCs transport oxygen? 3. Why do RBCs transport oxygen ?
 02
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a relatively
stable internal environment in an ever-changing
outside world. The internal environment of the
body is in a dynamic state of equilibrium Chemical,
thermal, and neural factors interact to maintain Illustration by Smart-Servier Medical Art
homeostasis
 Homeostatic Control Mechanisms

Receptor Control center Effector

monitors the determines the set point provides the means to
environments and at which the variable is respond to the stimulus
responds to changes maintained
(stimuli)
Maintenance of Homeostasis

Nervous system
● Controls and coordinates bodily activities that
require rapid responses
● Detects and initiates reactions to changes in
external environment
Endocrine system
● Secreting glands of endocrine regulate activities
that require duration rather than speed
● Controls concentration of nutrients and, by
adjusting kidney function, controls internal
environment’s volume and electrolyte
composition

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Homeostasis Factors

● Concentration of nutrient molecules

● Concentration of water, salt, and other
electrolytes
● Concentration of waste products
● Concentration of O2 = 100mmHg and CO2 =
40 mmHg
● pH = 7.35
● Blood volume 4-6 L and pressure 120/80
● Temperature = 37o C
Control of Homeostasis
Homeostasis is continually being disrupted by

 External stimuli : heat, cold, lack of oxygen, pathogens,

toxins
 Internal stimuli :
● Body temperature
● Blood pressure
● Concentration of water, glucose, salts, oxygen, etc.
● Physical and psychological distresses
● Disruptions can be mild to severe

If homeostasis is not maintained, death may result

Homeostatic Control Systems
Control systems are grouped into two classes

 Intrinsic controls
• Local controls that are inherent in an organ
 Extrinsic controls
• Regulatory mechanisms initiated outside an
organ
• Accomplished by nervous and endocrine
systems
Homeostatic Control Systems

● Feedforward - term used for responses made in

anticipation of a change
● Feedback - refers to responses made after change has
been detected
Types of feedback systems:
● Negative
● Positive
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Feedback Loops: Types

Negative feedback loop

original stimulus reversed
● most feedback systems in the body are negative
● used for conditions that need frequent adjustment
Positive feedback loop
● original stimulus intensified
● seen during normal childbirth
Positive Feedback during Childbirth
Positive Feedback during Childbirth

● Stretch receptors in walls of uterus send signals to the

brain
● Brain induces release of hormone (oxytocin) into
bloodstream
● Uterine smooth muscle contracts more forcefully
● More stretch, more hormone, more contraction etc.
● Cycle ends with birth of the baby & decrease in stretch
● Stretch receptors are mechanoreceptors responsive to
distention of various organs and muscle
Thanks!
ANY QUSTIONS

Dr.HEBA ALHAMAL

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