Physiology: Introduction Chapters 1-5 Part A

Practice flashcards covering the introductory concepts of human physiology, including homeostasis, fluid compartments, anatomical cavities, and pharmacological examples from the lecture notes.

Physiology

The study of function and integrated mechanism in science, focusing on how the systems of the body work and how organisms maintain life.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to quickly restore changed internal conditions to normal to maintain a stable internal environment.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

The body fluid located outside of the cells, representing $1/3$ of total body water volume. It consists of interstitial fluid ($75\%$ of ECF) and blood plasma ($25\%$ of ECF).

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

The fluid contained within the cells, representing $2/3$ of the total body water volume.

Interstitial Fluid

The portion of the extracellular fluid that lies between the circulatory system and the cells.

Plasma

The liquid matrix of blood, which is a component of the extracellular fluid.

Function (Teleological Approach)

The explanation of "why" a system or event occurs; for example, red blood cells exist because cells need oxygen.

Process (Mechanistic Approach)

The description of "how" a system works; for example, oxygen binds to hemoglobin molecules contained in red blood cells.

Cranial Cavity

The anatomical body cavity that contains the brain.

Thoracic Cavity

The anatomical body cavity containing the heart (within the pericardial sac) and the lungs (within the pleural sacs).

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The anatomical body cavity that consists of the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity, containing organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and reproductive organs.

Cell Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that provides physical isolation, regulates exchange with the environment, enables communication, and provides structural support.

Hyponatremia

A condition caused by low sodium levels in the blood, with symptoms including nausea, fatigue, dizziness, disorientation, and muscle cramps.

Acyclovir

An antiviral drug that is converted to the active triphosphate, which interferes with viral DNA polymerase and inhibits viral DNA replication.

$$Na^+$$

Sodium ion; its concentration is much higher in the extracellular fluid (plasma and interstitial fluid) than in the intracellular fluid.

$$K^+$$

Potassium ion; its concentration is much higher in the intracellular fluid than in the extracellular fluid.

$$Ca^{2+}/Ca+2$$

Calcium ion, often tracked as a significant electrolyte in the body's internal environment.

Chemical Disequilibrium

A state where the body compartments have very different ion concentrations, separated by a selectively permeable cell membrane.

70-kg Man Fluid Volumes

In a standard $70\,kg$ ($154\,lb$) male, total body water is distributed as $28\,L$ in the intracellular fluid and $14\,L$ in the extracellular fluid.

Biosphere

The highest level of organization in the study of biology and ecology, encompassing all ecosystems and the global environment.