LECTURE 1+2 - INTRO TO PHYSIOLOGY AND HOMEOSTASIS

what is cellular differentiation? why does differentiation occur?

-the process by which cells become “specialized” allowing them to carry out different functions.

-it occurs to transform unspecialized cells into specialized cells with specific functions.

what are the main tissue types? what is the function of each?

epithelial tissues - line surfaces

• function: allow for protection, absorption, secretion, etc.

connective tissues

• function: support other structures or tissues within the body

muscle tissues

• function: generate force or movement

nervous tissues

• function: send signals throughout the body

what are organs comprised of? how is the term organ defined?

organs are comprised of 2 or more of the 4 different tissue types

what are organ systems?

an organ system consists of multiple organs that work together to carry out a common function

what are the 3 bodily fluids? where is each found? how do the components differ?

plasma: blood vessels

• found within circulatory system

• composed of water, ions, proteins, sugars, lipids, hormones, and vitamins

interstitial fluid: between the cells but outside of our blood vessels

• similar composition to plasma except for protein concentrations

intracellular fluid: inside the cells

• composed of water, ions, and many different proteins responsible for regulating cellular activities

what is homeostasis? what physiological variables must the body maintain?

homeostasis: the process of maintaining relatively stable internal environment through the results from regulatory system actions.

-physiological variables: heart rate, blood sugar levels, blood pH, body temperature, blood pressure, water, oxygen and gases, elimination of carbon dioxide, ion concentrations.

know the different feedback loop components. (These apply to both positive and negative feedback loops)

1. Set point: ideal range

2. a stimulus causes a change from the set point

3. Receptor detects the change

4. Integration center processes arriving sensory information and coordinates a response

5. Effector produces a response

how do positive and negative feedback loops differ?

• you should be able to identify a negative or positive feedback loop.

• you should also be able to tell me the different components of the feedback loop.

-positive feedback loop: increase the effect of the stimulus. EX. childbirth, body is going to increase contractions because we want the child out. (WE KEEP REPEATING STIMULUS UNTIL ITS DONE)

-negative feedback loop: produce the opposite effect of the stimulus. EX. if blood pressure is too high we want to bring blood pressure back down. (ONE AND DONE)

what is a reflex?

involuntary responses to a simulus

what are the 4 intercellular chemical messengers? how does each work?

allow for communication between cells —→ essential for maintaining homeostasis

-hormones: bind to receptors found on target cells —→ response

-neurotransmitters: bind to receptors on target cell —→ produces a rapid response

-paracrine substances: agents that signal to other cells

-autocrine substances: signals that bind to the same cells that secreted them

how do acclimatization and adaptation differ? how are they similar?

adaptation:

• genetically predetermined

• characteristics that favor survival in certain environments

• ex. being able to produce the enzyme that breaks down lactose

acclimatization:

• the ability to adapt to a new environment based offf an an already existing phenotype/trait

• ex. adjusting to different environmental climates

what is a biological rhythm?

series of bodily functions regulated by an internal clock

ex. circadian rhythms

what are the 3 types of bodily fluids? where is each found?

plasma: blood vessels

interstitial fluid: between the cells but outside of our blood vessels

intracellular fluid: inside the cells