A+P test 1 terms

physiology

study of the biological function and how the body works

pathophysiology

concerned with the study of disease and is based on the knowledge of how normal systems function, which is the focus of physiology

comparative physiology

concerned with the physiology of animals other than humans and shares much information with human physiology

characteristics of the scientific method

1. assumed that the subject can ultimately be explained in terms we can understand

2. explanations are based on observations of the natural world and can be changed as warranted by new observations

3. humility is an important characteristic and the scientist must be willing to change his/her theories when warranted by the weight of evidence

homeostasis

the dynamic consistency of the internal environment. maintained by negative feedback loops

negative feedback loops

a process by which the body reverses a change to normal conditions. requires 1) a sensor that can detect a change in the internal environment and 2) an effector that can be activated by the sensor.

positive feedback loops

serve to amplify changes and may be part of the action of an overall negative feedback system. not used to retain balance but for rapid completion of a product. example of oxytocin, which increases uterine contractions, leading to birth.

intrinsic regulation

cells within the organ sense a change and send a signal to neighboring cells.

extrinsic regulation

regulation of an organ by the endocrine and nervous systems.

Phases of pharmaceutical trials

0. preclinical lab and animal testing

1. healthy humans

2. people with different conditions

3. large scale: various genders, ethnicities, etc. FDA review and approval/disapproval

4. other applications and post market monitoring

average time is 10-15 years