Chapter One

Physiology

Study of how living organisms function.

Pathophysiology

Physiology that occurs when functions go wrong.

Body Organization

Hierarchy from cells to organism.

Cellular

First level of body organization.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells performing functions.

Organs

Structures composed of multiple tissue types.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs working together.

Organism

Complete living entity made of organ systems.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue specialized for signal transmission.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue for secretion, absorption, and protection.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports and connects body structures.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in the heart.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle attached to bones.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle in organs and vessels.

Neurons

Cells that conduct electrical signals in the nervous system.

Extracellular Matrix

Environment surrounding cells, aiding attachment and signaling.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Dynamic Constancy

Variables change but remain relatively constant over time.

Negative Feedback

Process that counteracts changes to maintain stability.

Set Point

Normal value for physiological variables.

Feedforward Regulation

Anticipation of changes in regulated variables.

Reflex Arc

Pathway mediating a reflex response.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands.

Neurotransmitters

Signals released by neurons to communicate with other cells.

Paracrine Substances

Act on nearby cells that secreted them.

Autocrine Substances

Act on the same cell that secreted them.

Adaptation

Inherited characteristic favoring survival in environments.

Acclimatization

Improved function of a system due to environmental stress.

Circadian Rhythm

Biological cycle occurring every 24 hours.